Dublin Zoo says its elephants are no longer at risk of deadly virus following two deaths in July

Dublin Zoo elephants Samiya (10), Asha (17) and Dina (40) have all recovered and are no longer at risk from EEHV, Dublin Zoo confirmed. Pictures: Patrick Bolger

Dublin Zoo has confirmed its elephants are no longer at risk of a life-threatening virus that saw two of the animals die within a week of each other following an outbreak. 

Zinda, seven, and Avani, eight, both died from endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) in July. Asha, aged 17, and Samiya, aged 10, had also tested positive for the virus in the same month.

Dina, aged 40, had also tested positive but was not considered high risk for serious illness due to her age. Aung Bo, who came to Dublin Zoo in June was closely monitored for the virus but did not test positive.

According to the zoo, EEHV is a life-threatening virus which threatens the survival of endangered species across the world and affects elephants both in human care and in the wild.

While it can remain latent in the animals for many years, it can cause internal bleeding and death when active, especially in younger elephants who are less likely to develop sufficient levels of immunity against the virus.

The virus can be treated with anti-viral drugs and transfusions. However, early detection of activated EEHV is “vital to ensure the best chances of survival”, which means carrying out regular blood tests on the animals.

Dublin Zoo said staff worked 'tirelessly during the most critical and challenging days of this emergency, regularly consulting with international experts in elephant health and virology'.

After months of treatment and monitoring, the elephants at the zoo have recovered and are no longer at risk from the virus, a spokesperson said on Wednesday.

Director of Dublin Zoo Dr Christoph Schwitzer said: “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 their challenging journey.

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.

Dublin Zoo said staff worked “tirelessly during the most critical and challenging days of this emergency, regularly consulting with international experts in elephant health and virology". 

“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,” the zoo said.

Dublin Zoo added it was fortunate to “receive invaluable external assistance” from Chester Zoo in providing blood products to help fight infection as well as gardaí, and the UK and Irish governments.

It also thanked the public for its support through social media messages and letters.

“These were a huge source of strength and morale to the zoo team as they navigated one of the toughest periods the zoo has ever faced.”