Herpes virus infection sparks concern for Hellabrunn Zoo’s young elephant Otto

Since Saturday morning, the four-and-a-half-year-old male elephant has been showing increasing signs of exhaustion and malaise, prompting the veterinarians and zoologists at Hellabrunn Zoo to initiate an emergency procedure. After extensive examinations and a blood sample, it was confirmed that Otto has been infected with the herpes virus EEHV 1. Concerns for the elephant's survival are high, as the disease is often fatal to young animals. Otto is being cared for and treated around the clock by a team of veterinarians and keepers in the Elephant House, which is temporarily closed to the public.

A herpes outbreak is always an acute health risk for elephants – whether it be among African or Asian species, in their natural habitat or in ex-situ zoological care. While baby elephants are protected from the virus by their mother's milk from birth until the age of two, adolescent pachyderms between the ages of two and ten are particularly at risk of contracting a herpes infection due to their lack of antibodies.

Despite Otto's critical health condition, Hellabrunn Zoo is not unprepared for such a situation. The elephants at the zoo in Munich – along with many other resident species – regularly participate in various training sessions for medical care, allowing keepers and veterinarians to perform more detailed examinations and treatments. Blood sampling, vaccinations, swabs, and other sampling procedures have become routine for the animals and enable precise monitoring of their health. Furthermore, the keepers know their charges very well and can immediately recognise any apparent behavioural changes, which was crucial for the timely detection of Otto's infection.

"Detailed examinations and sampling were carried out to determine the herpes status of the elephants, particularly in light of the recent arrival of the female Rani (15) and her two-year-old daughter Savani from Leipzig. Since Otto was the only animal without antibodies of his own, the young Hellabrunn bull was administered a newly developed vaccine to ensure the fastest possible protection. Given that the risk of herpes is always present in elephant herds, blood plasma has also been regularly taken from Otto's father Gajendra over the past few weeks, which serves as a vital treatment option for the young elephant during the current acute phase," said zoo director Rasem Baban.

Otto is currently receiving around-the-clock emergency treatment in the Elephant House, which is closed until further notice. As part of his veterinary care, he will be given blood plasma, painkillers, and antiviral medication to ensure the best possible chance of survival. We will keep the public updated on his condition via our website and social media channels. Hellabrunn Zoo will also publish a podcast episode about elephant herpes in the near future, in which our veterinarian and deputy zoo director, Dr Hanspeter Steinmetz, will explain more about the virus and its effects.