Second Elephant Succumbs to Deadly Virus at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo is mourning the loss of another young elephant, Zinda, who tragically succumbed to the devastating Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) on July 7.

This heartbreaking news comes just days after the death of another elephant, Avani, on July 1, due to the same virus.

EEHV, a highly lethal virus known to affect both wild and captive Asian elephants, poses a significant threat with mortality rates reaching up to 85%. Although almost all Asian elephants carry the virus asymptomatically, it can suddenly activate, causing rapid onset of fever and internal bleeding.

First discovered in 1990 and formally characterized in 1999, EEHV has claimed the lives of numerous elephants worldwide, including more than half of Asian elephants in European and North American zoos over the past four decades.

In an effort to save Zinda, Dublin Zoo collaborated with authorities to urgently import blood products and essential supplies from Chester Zoo, illustrating a concerted international response to combat this deadly disease.

Despite round-the-clock care from veterinary experts, Zinda’s condition deteriorated rapidly, highlighting the unpredictable nature of EEHV even under the best care protocols.

Chester Zoo, which has also suffered losses to EEHV, is pioneering a potential breakthrough with scientists from the University of Surrey—a trial for a life-saving vaccine, marking a critical advancement in elephant conservation efforts worldwide.

“This is an unprecedented effort to save our elephants,” Dublin Zoo expressed in a statement. “We are profoundly grateful for the support from Chester Zoo and the collaborative efforts of international experts in elephant health and virology.”

The virus, which manifests as a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease, has not only impacted zoo populations but has also been detected in wild elephant herds across nine countries, underscoring the broader threat it poses to elephant populations globally.

Dublin Zoo has enacted its EEHV response plan and remains vigilant, closely monitoring the health of the remaining elephants in its herd.

“The quick progression of the virus in Zinda underscores the challenges of managing this disease, even with the highest standards of care and vigilance,” the zoo emphasized.

As investigations continue into the outbreak, Dublin Zoo reaffirmed its commitment to the wellbeing and safety of its elephants.

“We will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our elephants and collaborate with leading experts to mitigate the risks posed by EEHV,” the zoo concluded.

The loss of Zinda and Avani has left a profound impact on Dublin Zoo and the global community of conservationists, highlighting the urgent need for continued research and preventive measures against EEHV to safeguard the future of Asian elephants both in captivity and in the wild.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members