Columbus Zoo’s Beco the elephant dies after life-threatening virus diagnosis
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is mourning the loss of its 13-year-old elephant Buco.
Buco was recently diagnosed with Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus, a life-threatening virus affecting elephants living in the wild and in captivity.
Earlier in the week, the care team said they noticed Beco was uncharacteristically lethargic, according to our news partners at WBNS.
Blood tests later confirmed he was positive for EEHV.
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“The loss of any animal is hard, but losing a young, elephant is especially devastating. We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from our colleagues at other zoos, and the condolences from our community, who mourns with us. Even during these sad times, Columbus Zoo staff remains committed to the future of wildlife and we take some comfort knowing that valuable scientific data from Beco’s illness will be applied to helping to save the lives of other elephants,” Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo said.
Saturday morning, Beco succumbed to the illness.
Beco was born at the zoo on March 27, 2009, according to the zoo. He was named after his parents, Phoebe and Coco.
Beco is the second elephant to succumb to EEHV at the Columbus Zoo. Ganesh, a 7-year-old Indian elephant, died in 2005.
