Drama at Zurich Zoo
Baby elephant Umesh († 2) is dead
The two-year-old elephant bull Umesh died on Tuesday evening despite intensive treatment lasting several days from a herpes virus typical of elephants.
Published: 12:23 p.m
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Updated: 1 minute ago
As Zurich Zoo has already informed, the two-year-old bull elephant is Umesh contracted a herpes virus typical of elephants, which is particularly dangerous for young animals. After starting antiviral therapy over the weekend, Umesh’s blood counts showed no improvement and continued to deteriorate.
The first symptoms of the dreaded disease appeared on Tuesday morning, after which he suddenly died in the evening despite the ongoing treatment. After his death, Umesh stayed with his family overnight, according to Zurich Zoo. So the two sisters, Omysha (8) and Chandra (20) and mother Indi (36) were able to say goodbye to him.
Research is working on a vaccination
Umesh is now being examined by the animal hospital. This study can help to better understand the Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus (EEHV) in the future and to further optimize the treatment methods. For example, research is currently being carried out with the aim of developing a vaccination against EEHV. This could protect young elephants from the virus in the future.
“Zurich Zoo deeply regrets Umesh’s death,” it said in a statement. EEHV is very common among elephants, so most animals come into contact with it at some point and become infected. There is always a risk, especially for young animals, that it will suddenly break out. This affects both elephants in zoos and in wild populations. (noo)