Elephants were tested for COVID-19 after several lions at a zoo in a southern India zoo tested positive.

Twenty-eight elephants were tested as a precaution after lions at Vandalur Zoo in Tamil Nadu tested positive for the virus.

Footage from June 8 shows the large mammals being tested at Theppakadu elephant camp. Samples were taken from their mouths and anuses.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Theppakadu Elephant camp is the oldest elephant camp in Asia. This elephant camp was established 100 years before. This elephant camp having 28 elephants at present. In this elephant camp elephants are mainly used in Human- Wild animal conflicts, Forest monsoon patrolling, eco-tourism, elephant conservation, Education etc.

After lions in the Vandalur zoo has been tested positive for Covid the officials in this elephant camp also wanted to test their elephants as a precautionary measure.

And hence the samples from 28 elephant are collected. Samples are taken from oral cavity and the anus.