Portland Zoo Fights to Save Baby Elephant From diᩚadℓy Virus That Previously Killed Her Sister

Veterinarians at an Oregon zoo are racing to protect a beloved baby elephant after she was diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening virus that previously claimed the life of another calf in her family.

Tula-Tu, a young Asian elephant at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, was diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV-1B), a dangerous infection that can rapidly become fatal in young elephants.

The health scare began on October 24, when animal care staff noticed changes in Tula-Tu’s energy levels and behavior. Veterinarians immediately began monitoring her condition and collecting blood samples, starting treatment even before laboratory testing confirmed the infection.

Tests conducted at Oregon State University’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory later confirmed the presence of the virus.

The veterinary team responded with an intensive treatment program involving antiviral medication, fluids and plasma transfusions. Her blood samples were also sent to specialists at Baylor College of Medicine and the Smithsonian’s National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory for further testing.

The situation is particularly heartbreaking because Tula-Tu’s family has experienced this disease before.

Her mother, Rose-Tu, previously lost another calf, Lily, to EEHV in 2018. Lily was just weeks away from her sixth birthday when she died.

EEHV is a virus commonly found among Asian elephants, but young calves are especially vulnerable. As maternal antibodies decline, the infection can become active and cause severe damage to blood vessels and internal organs.

The disease can progress extremely quickly, making early detection and treatment ᑕriᩚtiᩚcal to survival.

There had been hope that vaccination might offer Tula-Tu additional protection. Earlier in 2026, she became the first elephant on the West Coast to receive an mRNA vaccine designed to protect against EEHV-1A, the most common strain.

However, her current infection involves a different strain, EEHV-1B. Veterinarians say it remains unclear whether the earlier vaccine provides any protection against this variant.

Despite the frightening diagnosis, the zoo announced encouraging developments on November 4.

Tula-Tu’s white blood cell counts were nearly back to normal, her viral load was declining, and she appeared more alert. Her appetite had also improved.

Dr. Carlos Sanchez, the zoo’s director of animal health, said her condition remained guarded but that the latest results offered reasons for cautious optimism.

Her mother, Rose-Tu, has remained close throughout the ordeal, nursing and comforting her daughter. Tula-Tu has also managed to spend time outdoors and play with her favorite large blue ball.

Although the improvements have given veterinarians hope, officials emphasized that the young elephant is not yet out of danger.

The zoo’s ongoing treatment and research efforts are part of a wider international campaign to understand EEHV and protect vulnerable elephant populations.

For now, veterinarians and animal care staff are continuing their round-the-clock efforts, hoping Tula-Tu can overcome the same devastating disease that took her sister’s life.

Source:  DAILYMAIL