No matter how big or small, coronavirus tests must be taken by all (that show symptoms of fever). Even a 433 lb lowland gorilla named Shango didn’t have an excuse not to take it. But that’s not the full story.

Shango, aged 31, recently had a confrontation with his little brother Barney, 26. Now, confrontations between bachelor lowland gorilla males are not that unusual, but in this case, the fight didn’t end in mere posturing and resulted in several wounds suffered by Shango. That in itself mostly doesn’t require immobilization, but Shango was being very protective of his arm where he had suffered his worst injuries, which indicated to the staff that further inspection was necessary.

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Image credits: Ron Magill

Shango gets weighed prior to treatment

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Once the 433 lb ape had been immobilized, a whole series of procedures ensued, performed by a big team of animal health specialists. One of the more “exotic” procedures was the coronavirus swab test, since Shango had shown symptoms of fever and the staff exercised caution. Luckily, the coronavirus test has come out negative. Among other procedures were X-rays to check whether the bite caused structural damage to the bone, ultrasound, tuberculosis and bronchoscopy tests, and dental hygiene. Needless to say, the specialists have also taken care of the wounds, which was the prime reason for immobilization.

Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, prepares to intubate Shango

Image credits: Zoo Miami

The Animal Health Team intubates Shango

Image credits: Zoo Miami

An intubated Shango is under general anesthesia while a variety of procedures are performed

Image credits: Zoo Miami

The Animal Health Team performs a variety of procedures while Veterinary Technician, Abby Sigward, monitors anesthesia

Image credits: Zoo Miami

The team performs several procedures simultaneously to minimize the time that Shango needs to be under anesthesia

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Shango has a nasal sample taken for COVID-19 testing

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Nasal sample is deposited into test tube for COVID-19 testing

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Dr. Schnellbacher deposits a sample into a test tube for COVID-19 testing

Image credits: Zoo Miami

A throat sample is taken for COVID-19 testing. The results are in, and they’re negative!

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Rodney Schnellbacher, examines Shango’s eyes

Image credits: Zoo Miami

A variety of procedures are performed while Shango is under anesthesia

Image credits: Zoo Miami

He has an old injury that prevents him from being able to cataract the middle finger of his left hand so please don’t think that hand is consciously positioned that way!

Shango has his right arm X-Rayed at the sight of a bite wound to ensure that there is no skeletal damage

Image credits: Zoo Miami

X-Ray of Shango’s right arm. No structural damage was found

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Associate Veterinarian, Dr. Gaby Flacke, performs an abdominal ultrasound examination on Shango

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Bite wound on Shango’s left hand

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Closeup of Shango’s face under anesthesia

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Severe bite wounds on Shango’s right arm

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Animal Health Team performs a bronchoscopy on Shango

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Dr. Gaby Flacke performs an abdominal ultrasound on Shango

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Zoo Veterinary Technician Abby Sigward, performs a dental cleaning on Shango

Image credits: Zoo Miami

Shango has suffered his wounds during a recent confrontation with his younger brother Barney (pictured)

Image credits: Sedgwick County Zoo

None of the tests indicated any abnormalities, and on top of that, Shango seems to have recovered well from anesthesia. He’s being closely monitored on his healing process. However, no decision has been made on whether Shango will be reintroduced to his brother soon, as that will depend on behavioral assessments and his healing process.

No decision has been made on whether or when Shango (pictured) will be reintroduced to Barney

Image credits: Sedgwick County Zoo

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