LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Zoo announced the death of Fitz, a 3-year-old elephant calf, on Saturday morning. 

Fitz, the offsping of 37-year-old elephant Mikki, would have turned four-years old on Aug. 2.

What You Need To Know

  • Fitz passed away after battling endotheliotropic herpesvirus, more widely known as the EEHV virus

  • The elephant care staff noticed Fitz was lethargic on Sunday, June 25, and a blood sample was sent to the National EEHV lab

  • Fitz was treated with antiviral medications, plasma transfusions every eight hours and fluid and other supportive therapies

  • Mikki, Fitz's mom, is confirmed to have a latent form of EEHV but not the same strain that affected Fitz

He passed away after battling endotheliotropic herpesvirus, more widely known as the EEHV virus. The virus is a hmorrhagic disease that affects blood cells and does not have a vaccine against it. Survival rates are between 20-30%, according to a news release. 

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of elephant Fitz,” said Louisville Zoo Director, Dan Maloney in a news release. “Fitz held a special place within our entire extended Zoo family. His presence at our Zoo touched the hearts of our members, patrons and our entire community, inspiring a profound appreciation for elephants and their conservation. Our animal and medical teams performed outstandingly. They worked tirelessly under very challenging circumstances, but sadly, despite their remarkable efforts, we were unable to save him. Fitz’s impact will live on, along with his memory, in the hearts of all who encountered him. He will be deeply missed.” 

The elephant care staff noticed Fitz was lethargic on Sunday, June 25, and a blood sample was sent to the National EEHV lab. The pre-emptive care began Tuesday and EEHV was confirmed by blood test results on Wednesday, June 28.

Fitz was treated with antiviral medications, plasma transfusions every eight hours and fluid and other supportive therapies. Accredited zoos and nationwide experts reached out to offer support and plasma and blood donations from their elephants.

The calf was standing and eating some food on Friday, June 30, but took a turn for the worse that evening and passed away shortly after 11 p.m. A necropsy will be performed and any additional information from it will be released later.

Mikki, Fitz's mom, is confirmed to have a latent form of EEHV but not the same strain that affected Fitz. No other animals, guests or staff are at risk from the virus. Zoo staff will monitor both Mikki and Punch, but both elephants appear to be behaving normally.

EEHV is one of the most serious medical issues zoos and wild elephants face with most elephants believed to be born with or exposed to the virus shortly after birth. 

While its unknown what leads the virus to cause hemorrhagic disease, it can remain latent in elephants for years. While some elephants can fight the disease, it is harder for weaned calves.

Fitz, having been recently weaned, was routinely monitored and tested for signs of EEHV

More information will be shared for how the community can join in honoring Fitz.