Twin elephants Yard and Tsukada, born at Rosamond Gifford Zoo in 2022, made history as some of the first elephants to receive the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) vaccine.
The twins are considered a miracle because the chance of twin Asian elephants being born is less than 1% and they are the only twin elephants in North America.
EEHV is a deadly virus that has decimated elephant populations around the world. The development of a vaccine represents a significant advance in the fight to protect these magnificent animals. Thanks to the tireless dedication and training of Rosamond Gifford Zoo staff, Yaad and Tsukada were able to receive their vaccinations safely and efficiently. The vaccine was developed at Baylor University, and through careful coordination with the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and Cornell University, we were able to administer this potentially life-saving vaccine to elephant twins.
“We are extremely proud of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s groundbreaking work in animal health,” said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. “Zoos’ commitment to providing the highest quality of care to their animals, coupled with their dedication to scientific research, has made them leaders in this field. The vaccination of Yaad and Tsukada against EEHV will help these majestic creatures… This is a major milestone in their conservation and the zoo’s unwavering commitment to their welfare.”
Rosamond Gifford Zoo Executive Director Ted Fox said: “We couldn’t be more pleased to be among the first selected to participate in this vaccine study.” “This is a milestone achievement for this species and a major step towards conservation efforts for these animals in the wild and under human management and the eradication of this terrible disease.”
