Natural infection of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica) in India

In May 2021, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in nine Asiatic lions ( Panthera leo persica ) in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis showed that the SARS-CoV-2 viruses belong to a variant of concern (VOC, delta variant, B.1.617.2 lineage) and that these viruses clustered with B.1.617.2 lineage viruses of the same geographical region detected in the same month. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.