The Smithsonian National Zoo announced Friday that several of their great cats have tested presumptive positive for COVID-19.
The zoo says six African lions, a Sumatran tiger and two Amur tigers tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.
Last weekend, zookeepers noticed the animals had decreased appetites, coughing, sneezing and were lethargic, which led to the original testing.
Conclusive tests are now being done and final results are expected in the next few days.
All of the great cats are being closely monitored and are receiving anti-inflammatories and anti-nausea medication as they await results.
Following an internal investigation, it's still not known how the cats became infected.
The zoo says the public is not at risk of transmission due to the substantial distance between the animals and their visitors.
And no other animals at the zoo are showing any signs of infection.
