Never Forget | Conservation at Chester Zoo

We’re working to find a solution to EEHV

This complex and lethal disease is having a catastrophic effect on the global conservation of the Asian elephant and we want to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible to stop more elephants from dying.

EEHV RESEARCH MILESTONE

Thanks to your support through our Never Forget fundraising campaign, we’re making great progress in tackling Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV).

A vaccine pilot study to help tackle this deadly virus is now underway at the zoo. It’s the first vaccine of its kind ever, to enter a pilot study. This is crucial, as a vaccine is widely viewed by conservationists as our best chance of fighting this disease and protecting young elephants.

Find out more about the vaccine pilot study

EEHV doesn’t discriminate

It doesn’t matter whether it’s a two-year-old elephant calf at our zoo or in the wild in Asia – this is a problem right around the world which makes it even more critical that we find an answer.

Currently, not enough is known about this disease so we need to carry out vital research to hopefully get closer to finding a way to stop it having a devastating impact on elephant populations. We’re part of the global conservation community committed to the conservation of Asian elephants, so we will continue to carry out intensive research and work to discover more about this virus and how to treat it.

We don't want it to be an extinction level event for this magnificent animal.

Your support is helping us to move towards developing, testing and validating an effective vaccine.

You are helping us fight for the future of Asian elephants.

What we're doing

As part of a post-doctoral position at the University of Surrey, Chester Zoo Conservation Fellow, Dr Tanja Maehr, is carrying out vital research into EEHV. Now that we’ve entered a pilot study phase, there’s real optimism we can find a safe vaccine that works. We’re also working closely with Akbar Dastjerdi, a Virologist at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), who has developed a method to detect EEHV.

In early 2019, we also developed innovative treatments to minimise the effects of EEHV by working in close research partnership with the APHA. This research led to successfully saving the life of three-year-old Indali Hi-Way.

Thanks to you our amazing supporters, we are able to continue this vital research.

You can make a big difference

Your donations will fund vital conservation work as we continue to learn more about EEHV, establish further treatment options for sick elephants, and work to achieve our goal of finding a vaccine.

Asian elephants are endangered and every calf lost to this disease is a blow to this magnificent and irreplaceable species. Thank you for donating and helping us prevent extinction.

For donations over £250, please email us, and we will be happy to help!

Discover all the latest news about Asian elephants

Stay up to date with all the latest zoo news surrounding the Hi-Way herd.

Want to learn more about EEHV?

Find the answers to your questions in our handy EEHV frequently asked questions.

Read our FAQs