Ireland

Second elephant in a week dies from deadly virus at Dublin Zoo

The zoo said it was ‘heartbroken’ by the death of seven-year-old Zinda

Zinda, an Asian Elephant at Dublin Zoo, is the second elephant to die from EEHV virus at the zoo in a week. (Source: Dublin Zoo)
Zinda, an Asian Elephant at Dublin Zoo, is the second elephant to die from EEHV virus at the zoo in a week. PICTURE: DUBLIN ZOO
By Mark Robinson

A second elephant has died at Dublin Zoo after contracting a virus.

The zoo said it is “heartbroken” following the death of seven-year-old Zinda, who died from Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV).

It said that despite “unprecedented” efforts to save her, she passed away on Sunday.

Both the Irish and UK governments facilitated the “urgent importation of vital blood products” as well as other supplies from Chester Zoo in the bid to save the elephant.

“We fervently hoped this would have helped save Zinda’s life,” they said.

“We are profoundly grateful to Chester Zoo for their unwavering support during this critical time.

“A special thank you also goes to An Garda Síochána, who escorted the blood products from Dublin Port to the zoo.”

It comes after the death of another elephant, Avani, on July 1, infected with the same virus.

Dublin Zoo confirmed that while there no other elephants were showing signs of the virus, they were closely monitoring the rest of the herd.

“The quick progression of the virus in Zinda underscores the challenges of managing this disease, even with the highest standards of care and vigilance,” they said.

“Our commitment to the well-being of our elephants remains steadfast, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure their safety.”

EEHV has been described as an unpredictable and fatal virus which affects elephants in the wild and in captivity.

It does not pose any risk to humans.

A vaccine does not yet exist for the disease, however global efforts to find a solution are ongoing to safeguard the future of the elephant population