Elephant Calf Nisha Shows Symptoms of Herpesvirus

Dickerson Park Zoo celebrated the birth of Nisha in July 2006. It is with heavy hearts we announce today that late yesterday afternoon, Nisha began showing symptoms of a typically fatal elephant herpesvirus.

This isn't a new experience for the elephant staff at the zoo. We've seen this virus before. Luckily for one calf - Chandra - the staff developed an experimental treatment that was successful in saving her.

However, other calves with this virus - here at DPZ and at other zoos around the world - haven't been so fortunate.

Dickerson Park Zoo's elephant staff of well-trained professionals is consulting with veterinarians and experts across the country. They are spending 24 hours a day with Nisha. Please keep the keepers and Nisha in your thoughts.

If you would like to send your well-wishes to Nisha and her zookeepers, please click on the comments link below or send an e-mail.

Comments

[EVELYN GARRISON, UNIONTOWN,KS.]

SORRY NISHA, HOPE YOU GETWELL SOON. YOU WILL BE IN MY PRAYERS, ALSO YOUR STAFF WILL GET A PRAYER SAID FOR THEM. THEY SPOILED YOU NOW HONEY LET THEM GET YOU WELL. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR STAFF EVELYN GARRISON UNIONTOWNTOWN,KS. I DID SEE YOU WHEN YOU WERE A BABY

[Tera]

Get Well Nisha!!! I'm so glad you guys caught it early. I really hope and pray she will be ok. Keep up the good work!

[Tracie Stafford]

I know everyone's doing what they can. What will be will come to pass. You take care of yourself too so you can keep taking care of her.
Ambassador 2007

[Shirley Gilmore]

I'm so sorry for you, Nisha, and for the zoo staff. I was one of the three people who chose your name so I feel a special bond to you. I was so ill myself that I wasn't able to see you until you were almost a year old. But I recovered and I'm praying that you will, too. I know you have the best people in the world working on you.

Here's a quote from George MacDonald to help sustain your caretakers:

"Sometimes a thunderbolt will shoot from a clear sky; and sometimes, into the midst of a peaceful family--without warning of gathered storm above or slightest tremble of earthquake beneath--will fall a terrible fact, and from that moment everything is changed. The air is thick with cloud, and cannot weep itself clear. There may come a gorgeous sunset, though."

[Julia A.]

We are praying for you Nisha and for your wonderful caretakers! Dickerson Park Zoo Staff: You are wonderful and this city is appreciative to have such caring people at our zoo. Keep your spirits up.