Yesterday, a seven year old elephant named Zinda, died from elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus, Dublin Zoo have announced.
This tragic news comes just a week after Avani, an eight year old female Asian elephant contracted the same virus, and died. While it does not affect humans, this disease which is also known as EEHV, can be fatal to young elephants.
The zoo released the following statement: “Dublin Zoo is heartbroken to announce the passing of Zinda, our beloved 7-year-old elephant, on 7th July, due to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV)".
"This devastating loss follows the recent death of Avani on July 1st, 2024, from the same virus", they added. “Despite receiving round the clock care from our dedicated veterinary team and international experts, Zinda’s condition deteriorated".
The zoo have also stated that while no other elephants have displayed signs of EEHV, their health has been closely monitored.
“Our EEHV response plan remains in place to protect the remaining members of our herd,” the zoo explained. "The support and advice from the international veterinary and elephant communities has been extraordinary".
“The quick progression of the virus in Zinda underscores the challenges of managing this disease, even with the highest standards of care and vigilance".
They also added: “In an unprecedented effort to save Zinda, both the Irish and UK governments facilitated the urgent importation of vital blood products and other essential supplies from Chester Zoo to provide the antibodies and help fight the infection".
"We fervently hoped this would have helped save Zinda’s life. We are profoundly grateful to Chester Zoo for their unwavering support during this critical time. A special thank you also goes to An Garda Síochána, who escorted the blood products from Dublin Port to the zoo".
Dublin Zoo also said that while no vaccine had been developed to treat this virus, global efforts to find a resolution to this issue have been ongoing.
