Wildlife care specialists are working with the African elephant herd at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to find out more about a disease that was recently identified as a threat to the species. Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (also known by the acronym EEHV) is carried by both Asian and African elephant species, but until last year had been associated most frequently with deaths of young Asian elephants.
“EEHV is a virus that has evolved along with elephant species, over millions of years, and occurs in individuals in native and zoo settings,” said Lauren Howard, DVM, director of veterinary services at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
The threat of the virus to young Asian elephants has been studied for many years by zoos working toward understanding EEHV and its impact on individual elephants, and on entire populations. Last year, two young African elephants at another institution died of the disease—and now, Safari Park wildlife care specialists, veterinarians and researchers have begun a project to learn more about the virus, so that it can be better understood in African elephants.
“Because of the strong relationship the elephant care specialists at the Safari Park have with the elephant herd, they are able to work with them to take regular blood samples and trunk washes,” said Kristi Burtis, elephant care manager, San Diego Zoo Safari Park. “We hope the information we gather will allow us to develop ways to manage the disease in populations of elephants in Africa and Asia.”
How is Tempos arthrits?
Blog Monitor’s note: We’re very sad to announce that Tembo, a well-known elephant passed away on December 28, 2019. She had been under veterinary care, including stem cell therapy to alleviate age-related ailments over a long period of time. When animal care staff noted a sudden change in Tembo’s condition, including behaviors that indicated severe discomfort, they spent time evaluating quality of life options for her, and in the end staff made the difficult decision to compassionately euthanize her.
Tembo, who was 48 years old, came to the San Diego Zoo from private owners who had used her as an animal actor. She had lived at the Zoo since 1983 where she formed strong relationships with other elephants and animal care staff. We know that staff, volunteers, members, and guests have felt this loss deeply; Tembo will be missed by all who knew her.
Wonderful, I commend all of you. If we can save one, we might be able to save more.
It takes a village. Hopefully a cure or prevention for this will be found.