Portland, Ore. – The Oregon Zoo announced Wednesday that Tula‑Tu, the beloved baby elephant diagnosed last week with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), is holding steady and showing encouraging signs of recovery. The zoo’s animal‑health team has been administering antiviral medication, intravenous fluids and a series of plasma transfusions to combat the virus.
Medical progress and positive indicators
“Her white‑cell counts are nearly back to normal and her viral load is trending down. She appears more alert and her appetite has improved — these are all positive indicators. She’s a tough little elephant,” said Dr. Carlos Sanchez, the zoo’s director of animal health. The zoo’s staff says the improvements are a testament to the diligent care provided by veterinarians, technicians and volunteers.
Vaccination milestone and ongoing questions
Earlier this year, Tula‑Tu became the first elephant on the West Coast to receive an mRNA vaccine designed to protect against EEHV‑1A, the most common strain of the virus. While the vaccine represents a breakthrough in wildlife medicine, Dr. Sanchez cautioned that Tula‑Tu’s current infection involves a related but distinct strain, EEHV‑1B. “We do not know whether the EEHV‑1A vaccine is protective for the –1B variant,” he explained. “It’s possible, but to what degree remains unknown.”
Testing and collaboration with leading labs
To better understand the virus’s behavior, the zoo has sent blood samples to the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Oregon State University, as well as to Baylor College of Medicine and the Smithsonian’s National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory. These collaborations aim to provide precise molecular data that can guide future treatment protocols for elephants nationwide.
Quality of life and family support
Despite the seriousness of the diagnosis, Tula‑Tu has been allowed to spend time outdoors in a behind‑the‑scenes yard, interact with the zoo’s other elephants, and play with her favorite toy – a large blue ball that once belonged to her mother, Rose‑Tu. The zoo emphasizes that maintaining a sense of normalcy is crucial for the young animal’s emotional well‑being.
Remembering past loss
The zoo’s community still mourns the loss of Lily, a six‑year‑old baby elephant that succumbed to EEHV in 2018. Lily’s passing underscored the need for continued research and preventive measures, prompting the zoo to invest in vaccine development and advanced diagnostics.
Community response
Portland residents have expressed heartfelt support for the zoo’s efforts, with many offering prayers and well‑wishes on social media. Local faith groups have highlighted the importance of stewardship over God‑created creatures, reinforcing the community’s shared commitment to caring for wildlife.
Zoo officials remain optimistic that Tula‑Tu’s condition will continue to improve. They plan to provide regular updates to the public, ensuring transparency and fostering a sense of collective hope as the young elephant fights this rare disease.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
