San Diego Zoo Reports Elephant Death, Herdmate Ill

A 15-year-old African savanna elephant known as Nipho died at the San Diego Zoo after a rapid illness caused by elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease (EEHV-HD), a serious naturally occurring disease in elephants that poses no risk to people or other wildlife. His half-brother Sundzu, who shared his bachelor herd, has also developed signs of the disease and is receiving round-the-clock treatment, including antiviral medication, fluids and plasma infusions. Zoo officials said no other elephants are showing signs of illness and hope that studying Nipho’s case will help improve understanding of the disease.