DUBLIN Zoo has been left "devastated" after another one of their elephants was killed by an "unpredictable" virus. Last week, Avani, an eight-year-old elephant who was killed by the same disease, and Riona, a 28-year-old Bornean orangutan, died from an unrelated illness. The three animals sadly passed away after spending their whole lives in the Phoenix Park.
Dublin Zoo's beloved seven-year-old elephant sadly passed away yesterday due to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus, the same virus that killed Avani. EEHV is an "unpredictable and fatal virus" affecting young elephants both in the wild and under human care. EEHV poses no health risk to humans.
The beloved animal lost its life "despite round the clock care" from the dedicated veterinary team at the zoo and international experts. The young elephants condition deteriorated quickly after it was treated for clinical symptoms of the virus. Dublin Zoo said: "In an unprecedented effort to save Zinda, both the Irish and UK governments facilitated the urgent importation of vital blood products and other essential supplies from Chester Zoo to provide the antibodies and help fight the infection.
"We fervently hoped this would have helped save Zinda’s life. "We are profoundly grateful to Chester Zoo for their unwavering support during this critical time. "A special thank you also goes to An Garda Siochana , who escorted the blood products from Dublin Port to the zoo.
" Dublin Zoo have confirmed that the other elephants in their h.