The elephants at Dublin Zoo have been given a clean bill of health after a “critical and challenging” battle against a virus that killed two members of the herd.

The zoo has been battling the EEHV virus outbreak since eight-year-old Avani and seven-year-old Zinda died from the disease in July.

Three other elephants Asha (17), Samiya (10) and the 40-year-old matriarch of the herd Dina also contracted the disease; however, the zoo this morning confirmed that they have recovered and are now healthy once again.

Elephants at Dublin Zoo. Image: Patrick Bolger/Dublin Zoo

In a statement, it said everyone at the zoo “worked tirelessly during the most critical and challenging days of this emergency”.

“Given the seriousness of EEHV, Dublin Zoo animal care and veterinary teams worked round the clock, spending hundreds of hours on-site during the crisis,” it said.

“As just one example of the team’s commitment and unwavering care that played a massive role in the elephant’s recovery, vet Niamh McGill was just back from maternity leave and had her husband bring their baby to the Zoo so she could breastfeed him while caring for the elephants.”

"Elephants grieve as much as we do" The Director of Dublin Zoo describes the grieving process that the elephants of the zoo have gone through after two of their herd died from a dangerous virus. A third elephant has now contracted the disease. pic.twitter.com/D4BRsHY2Ix

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) July 10, 2024

The zoo’s bull elephant Aung Bo was closely monitored for EEHV but never tested positive and has now been successfully integrated with the rest of the herd.

“Last week initial careful steps were taken to slowly introduce him to Dina and her daughters,” the statement says.

“The signs from these initial encounters were very positive, meaning visitors can now observe Aung Bo alongside Dina, Asha, and Samiya, enjoying their shared space, including the pool and various enrichment items provided to encourage natural behaviours.”

EEHV

Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) is a life-threatening virus that affects elephants in human care and in the wild.

EEHV can remain latent in elephants for years, but when active, it can cause internal bleeding and death.

The virus is particularly dangerous for younger elephants who are less likely to have developed sufficient levels of immunity.

“Bittersweet moment”

Dublin Zoo has thanked the public for the “overwhelming support” it received since announcing the outbreak in July – noting that the messages and letters were a huge source of strength and morale to the team.

Dublin Zoo Director Dr Christoph Schwitzer said today’s announcement marks a “bittersweet moment” for everyone at the zoo.

Elephants at Dublin Zoo. Image: Patrick Bolger/Dublin Zoo

“While we are relieved and grateful that our elephant herd has recovered from the EEHV outbreak, we will never forget the tragic loss of two elephants earlier in this challenging journey,” he said.

“This outcome is the result of two months of unwavering dedication and hard work from our animal care and veterinary teams, whose commitment has made us incredibly proud.”

He said the outbreak led to offers of help from the Irish scientific community adding that this collaboration may eventually “offer a potential path towards an effective treatment of EEHV”.