Tragic Loss: Louisville Zoo Mourns Death of 3-Year-Old Elephant Fitz to Deadly Virus

Fitz, a beloved 3-year-old elephant calf at the Louisville Zoo, has died from endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a hemorrhagic disease that affects blood cells. Despite receiving around-the-clock care and treatment, including antiviral medications and plasma transfusions, Fitz's condition worsened and he passed away. The virus is one of the most serious medical issues facing zoo and wild elephants, with a survival rate of only 20 to 30%. The zoo will perform a necropsy and plans to honor Fitz in the community. Fitz's mother, Mikki, also has a latent form of EEHV but is behaving normally.