The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is mourning the loss of one of its elephant calves.
“Tsuni” died on Thursday after a sudden and brief battle with a virus that affect elephants.
The calf was only 2-years-old.
The virus called elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus is a “prevalent, challenging disease that has plagued elephants” both in the wild and in human care.
The medical team worked around the clock to try to save Tsuni, but ultimately were unable.
Tsuni lived with her heard at the International Conservation Center in Somerset, PA.
“Tsuni held a special place in the hearts of staff and visitors alike,” said Dr. Jeremy Goodman, Zoo President and CEO. “Her loss is devastating to our entire zoo family. Her ability to fight through her early life medical challenges had been such an inspiration to everyone that worked with her. She will be terribly missed by everyone here as well as elephant lovers all over the world.”
The Zoo says the other elephants have built up antibodies to fight EEHV, so they are all at low risk to contract the disease.
Tsuni was born on July 18, 2021 and was the calf of 31-year-old female and 47-year-old male Jackson.
Her name was short for Tsunami.
“Tsuni could bring a smile to anyone’s face,” said Ayeshah Al-Humaidhi, Director of the International Conservation Center. “She was spunky, curious, and always up to something. Extremely bright, she was a willing participant in her care, which spoke to the amazing bond she had with her keepers.”
The staff at ICC says they appreciate the support of the Zoo and guests to the conversation center.
Anyone who wants to share their memories of Tsuni are asked to do so on their social media pages.