Two Asian elephants died from Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) at Wildlands Aventure Zoo in the Netherlands. The 1-year-old male Nagarr died on Saturday, and the 3-year-old Ka Yan died on Wednesday.
EEHV is a lethal disease primarily affecting young elephants, especially in captivity. A severe hemorrhagic illness caused by this virus can result in organ failure and internal bleeding.
Early detection is difficult because the virus is often dormant, meaning it can stay hidden in the body of an elephant and suddenly become active.
When symptoms do appear, they usually progress rapidly, often leading to death within a short period. Antiviral treatments can sometimes be effective if given early, but the success rate remains around 40%.
Last Friday, Nagarr began acting sluggish, and by Saturday, the young elephant showed signs of stomach pain. Despite help from a veterinarian, the animal could not be saved. Researchers confirmed that EEHV was the cause of death.
The zoo thinks that Ka Yan also died from the same virus. Further research will confirm if this is true.Ka Yan’s body will be transported to Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University after the elephant herd at the zoo in Emmen has had time to say goodbye.
Elephant Bumi also died from herpesvirus
Two weeks ago, a young elephant died from herpesvirus at another zoo in the Netherlands. The three-year-old African elephant Bumi died from the EEHV virus at Ouwehamds Zoo in Rhenen.
The zoo said that Bumi’s condition rapidly deteriorated on the afternoon of November 4. Zoo staff noticed weakness, and within hours, the young elephant passed away.
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