OKC Zoo Releases Preliminary Necropsy Results For Malee

The Oklahoma City Zoo released preliminary results in what caused the sudden death of 4-year-old Asian elephant, Malee, Thursday.

According to the Oklahoma City Zoo, blood testing and necropsy results conducted by the veterinary care team shows an indication of death due to the infection EEHVI (elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus).

This particular strain of EEHV is the most common in elephants across North America, Europe and in Asia. Veterinary staff members say they are certain Malee did not contract the disease from Bamboo and Chai who recently joined the Oklahoma City Zoo from Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle.

Staff members also say Malee’s aunt, Chandra, had a similar strain of the virus that caused her illness as a calf. But, Chandra survived the illness and has remained healthy since that time.

The final results in the cause of Malee’s death are pending.

10/1/15 Related Story: OKC Zoo Mourning Loss Of Asian Elephant Malee