Tragically, a second adorable elephant calf has passed away shortly after his brother due to an outbreak of a dangerous strain of Herpes virus at a zoo in central New York. In a heartbreaking turn of events, five-year-old Batu lost his life early on Friday at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, despite the valiant efforts of the dedicated staff to save him from the same virus that claimed the life of his two-year-old brother Ajay just a few days earlier.
Both precious elephants fell victim to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpes Virus, a particular strain of the virus that specifically affects Asian elephants. Zoo Director Ted Fox expressed deep sorrow over the devastating loss, stating that despite the team’s tireless efforts and the intensive care provided to Batu, the outcome was heartbreakingly tragic. Batu had been under treatment since receiving a positive test result for the virus last week, but unfortunately, the viral load of EEHV in his blood escalated rapidly despite the medications and plasma infusions given to him.
The loss of both young elephants has left a profound impact on the zoo staff and visitors alike, highlighting the devastating effects of this deadly virus on these majestic creatures.
Heartbroken zoo staff at Rosamond Gifford Zoo expressed their deep sadness over the loss of both elephants. The photo shows Batu on the right with his younger brother Ajay on the left.
After testing positive for eight days, Batu tragically passed away on Friday morning as he rested, as shared by Mr. Fox.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon acknowledged the difficult reality of this outcome, stating that it is challenging to come to terms with. He expressed profound sadness and grief, emphasizing the need to support the elephant team and the zoo during this trying time.
EEHV remains a significant threat to young Asian elephants, with the potential to cause death within a day for those under the age of eight.
Batu (on the left side in the photo with Ajay) has been receiving treatment since last week after a blood test showed he tested positive for the virus. The zoo believes that the virus is naturally present among elephants in a dormant state but can become active unexpectedly.
Batu, born on May 12, 2015, was the first calf of Mali and the bull elephant Doc. Ajay, born on January 15, 2019, is also a part of the elephant family at the zoo. The zoo, which is one of only 11 facilities authorized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to breed Asian elephants, currently houses six adult elephants.