By Catherine Wolf, KWMU
St. Louis – Saint Louis Zoo veterinarians are treating the Zoo's 23-month-old Asian elephant, Jade, for herpes. Zoo staffers noticed the elephant was lethargic on Sunday. A blood sample indicated she had contracted herpes. She remains in guarded condition Thursday.
Herpes is potentially fatal to elephants, and no vaccination is available. Zoo staff are treating Jade with anti-viral medication and monitoring her 24 hours a day. Jade's parents are Saint Louis Zoo elephants Raja and Rani. Her father, Raja, was the first elephant born at the Saint Louis Zoo.