San Diego Zoo Elephant Nipho Dies From Unusually Fast Disease

A 15-year-old elephant at the San Diego Zoo has died from a potentially deadly virus that can rapidly overwhelm the animals.

It comes as zoo staff fight to save the life of his half-brother, another elephant that has developed symptoms of the same disease.

Inhlonipho, better known as “Nipho,” died Wednesday after contracting elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus hemorrhagic disease, or EEHV-HD, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced Saturday.

The disease is among the most serious health threats facing elephants, although the virus itself is widespread among both Asian and African elephants living in the wild and under human care.

It cannot be transmitted to humans or other wildlife.

“Most elephants will contract the virus in their lifetime, and many carry it without becoming ill,” zoo officials said in a Facebook statement.

But Nipho’s condition deteriorated at an alarming rate, despite efforts by veterinarians to save him.

“Nipho’s illness came on and progressed unusually fast,” the officials continued. “Our team began treatment right away, even before a definitive diagnosis, and we are continuing to look closely at his case to understand what happened.

“Our hope is that the devastating loss of Nipho will help advance our understanding of this disease and, ultimately, save lives.”

The elephant had spent his entire life within the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s care, having been born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to his mother, Umngani, who remains part of the Elephant Valley herd.

Nipho later moved to the San Diego Zoo, where he lived alongside his half-brother, Tsandzikle, affectionately called “Sundzu,” and another male elephant, Vus’Musi, known as “Musi,” in a bachelor herd.

Following his death, the two elephants were given an opportunity to say their final goodbyes.

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The tragedy has become even more concerning for zoo officials after Sundzu began showing symptoms of the same disease that killed his half-brother.

Veterinary teams are now working around the clock to treat Sundzu, administering antiviral medications, fluids and elephant plasma infusions in hopes of helping him recover.

The California Post reached out to the zoo, but they did not immediately provide additional details about Sundzu’s prognosis.

“Grief and love so often sit side by side, and each of us holds them in our own way,” the officials said. “Please keep our teams in your thoughts as they support Sundzu and one another. Thank you for your compassion as we navigate this together.”

The San Diego Zoo has seen happier times.

Back in October, the San Diego Zoo announced that a baby sloth was born — right in time for National Sloth Day.

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced the arrival of the Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth pup — complete with an adorable video of the newborn — on Oct. 20 to mark the holiday.

The little one was welcomed on Aug. 16 by its mother, Xena, who is a wildlife ambassador at the zoo, meaning she participates in presentations, so guests will be able to see the pair in the coming weeks.

The zoo showed in an Instagram video, the baby snuggled up to its mother, eating lettuce, which sparked heartwarming comments.

“Xena’s pup peeking out of all that fluff made my whole morning. I love that she’s raising her baby while ambassading for two-toed sloth,” one wrote.

“Oh my gawwwwssshhhhh. That sweet little face. Welcome to the world little one,” another added.

“My spirit animal,” someone else added.