Dublin Zoo has confirmed that its herd of elephants are now healthy following the outbreak of a virus that caused the death of two Asian elephants earlier this year.
Three elephants who tested positive for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) have made a full recovery, according to the zoo, and are no longer at risk.
EEHV is a life-threatening virus that affects elephants in human care and in the wild, threatening the survival of these endangered species globally.
The virus can remain latent in elephants for years, but when active can cause internal bleeding and death.
Younger elephants who are less likely to have developed sufficient levels of immunity to EEHV are more susceptible to activation of the virus and subsequent illness.
Two elephants – eight-year-old Avani and seven-year-old Zinda – died in July due to the virus.
Dublin Zoo Director Dr Christoph Schwitzer said that while the zoo is “relieved” about the clean bill of health, it is “a bittersweet moment” after the loss of Avani and Zinda.
“This outcome is the result of two months of unwavering dedication and hard work from our animal care and veterinary teams, whose commitment has made us incredibly proud,” he said.
Dr Schwitzer added: “We are determined to use our experiences during this trying time for Dublin Zoo in a positive way, and the widespread interest in the story has led to outreach from the Irish scientific community, who were keen to offer assistance and advice. A number of these conversations, while at an early stage, offer a potential path towards an effective treatment of EEHV.”
Dublin Zoo praised the work of its animal care and veterinary teams who it said “worked tirelessly during the most critical and challenging days of this emergency, regularly consulting with international experts in elephant health and virology”.
It also paid tribute to vet Niamh McGill who had returned from maternity leave and had her husband bring their baby to the zoo so she could breastfeed him while caring for the elephants.
In a statement, the zoo said it received “invaluable support” from Chester Zoo in the UK who provided blood products to help fight the infection.
It also received assistance from the Government, who helped with the importation of the products, and gardaí who escorted them to the zoo.
Dublin Zoo also thanked members of the public for their support through messages on social media and letters sent to the zoo in what it described as “one of the toughest periods” it has faced.
