In Kentucky, the Louisville Zoo announced that three-year-old Fitz the elephant calf died on Friday night. He suffered a brief battle with endothelioptrophic herpesvirus – also called EEHV virus.
According to the zoo’s press release, EEHV is one of the most serious medical issues facing zoo and wild elephants. Most elephants are believed to be born with or exposed to the virus shortly after birth. This virus can remain latent in their bodies for years. It is unknown what leads the virus to cause hemorrhagic disease.
Fitz was the son of 37-year-old elephant Mikki and would have turned four on August 2.
Fitz held a special place within our entire extended Zoo family. His presence at our Zoo touched the hearts of our members, patrons and our entire community, inspiring a profound appreciation for elephants and their conservation. Fitz’s impact will live on, along with his memory, in the hearts of all who encountered him. He will be deeply missed.
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The medical team at the zoo worked tirelessly to try and save the elephant. After symptoms appeared, pre-emptive care was put into action on June 27. The blood tests confirmed the results of the virus, and he received round-the-clock care.
Several other zoo veterinarians shared their expertise in the hopes of saving Fitz. Earlier in the day on Friday, Fitz had been standing and eating, but by the evening his condition took a turn for the worse.
There are no vaccines and no known prevention for the disease. No other animals have been cited at risk according to zoo veterinarians.
Further information will be shared soon about how the community may join in honoring Fitz.
Rest in peace Fitz.
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I wish zoo’s and circuses would all send their elephants to sanctuary. Zoo’s cannot give enough area for them to roam. They pack them into tiny areas and say look how happy they are!?