One more elephantthe third in a month, has died at the Zurich Zoo from a herpes virus, the park management announced.
Ruani, a 5-year-old female elephant, breathed her last on Saturday morning as she succumbed to elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV). Almost all elephants carry EEHV in a latent form, without showing symptoms. Young animals are more vulnerable, as their immune system is not yet developed enough.
Ruani’s death it follows that of 8-year-old Omisa on July 11 and two-year-old Umes at the end of June.
Ruani had been given antiviral medication by vets and had not shown any symptoms until Friday, according to Zurich Zoo management.
“The loss of a third elephant to this terrifying virus, in such a short period of time, is a tragic loss for Zürich Zoo”said manager Severin Dressen. “It is particularly disappointing that we are powerless against the virus despite excellent veterinary care from the university animal hospital”he added.
The Zurich zoo had divided the elephants into two groups. The first consisted of Ruani, Farha’s mother and Sheila-Himali’s grandmother. The second consisted of Umesh, Omisha, Chandra and their mother Indi. The zoo is also home to a male elephant, Tai (age 18).
According to Zürich zoo officials, the risk from the herpes virus is low for the remaining elephants – 17-year-old Farha is now the youngest – although all animals will be monitored.
Source: News Beast
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