Zoo shock as virus kills two baby elephants
ZOO the death keepers of two have elephant been left calves. devastated by Nandita Hi Way, three, and her 18-monthold half-brother Aayu Hi Way succumbed to a virus yesterday, despite desperate efforts to save them by staff at Chester Zoo.
The heartbreaking development follows the sudden death of Aayu’s mother, 20year-old Sithami Hi Way on September 7. Just six elephants, including four siblings, remain in the zoo’s herd.
Nandita and Aayu were victims of elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus which is carried by almost all Asian elephants in the wild and in captivity. When it develops into an illness, it is usually fatal.
Sithami’s death was unrelated. Tests revealed she had a stomach ulcer which burst, causing blood poisoning.
Mike Jordan, director of animals at the zoo, said: ‘Aayu and his half-sister Nandita were wonderful, confident and energetic calves who loved nothing more than playing with the rest of the family herd – whether in the sand or the pool. ‘They will be missed by their young siblings in the herd who will no doubt mourn for a short time. ‘To lose them both is also devastating to all of us here who have cared for them day in, day out. We fought for them until the very last moments, but were unable to save them. It is just heart-breaking.’ Keepers at the zoo spotted signs of the virus began in treatment Aayu and Nandita at once. on Monday and As well as giving them anti-viral drugs, scientists and vets also gave the pair blood transfusions as part of ground-breaking treatment to boost their immune systems – ultimately to no avail. It is not the first time the zoo has lost elephants to the virus. Five animals have succumbed to the disease. Scientists at Chester are at the forefront of trying to find a treatment.