Researchers conducted genetic analysis of the novel coronavirus and its similar variants in animals, and confirmed that its closest relative is a coronavirus that infects bats. In the study they said the ability of the virus, SARS-CoV-2 to infect humans was gained by exchanging a critical gene fragment from a coronavirus that infects a scaly mammal called a pangolin.

from Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/how-coronavirus-jumped-from-animals-to-humans-decoded-study/articleshow/76103930.cms