Wuppertal (dpa / lnw) – After the death of the young elephant bull Tsavo in the Wuppertal Zoo, the veterinarians assume a tetanus infection. Lockjaw is the most likely cause due to the symptoms, said a spokesman for the zoo on Tuesday when asked. An examination of the body in the animal pathology department at the University of Giessen should provide clarity. Results would be expected in a week.
There is no cure for tetanus and no vaccine approved for elephants. “It is not customary to vaccinate because there has not yet been a case of tetanus in elephants in Europe,” said administrative director Jochen Witjes. Tsavo was put to sleep on Sunday – two days after the first symptoms appeared. The young bull was only two years and eight months old.
Last Friday, Tsavo had problems with his posture. His condition had deteriorated dramatically over the weekend. He was plagued by cramps. An infection with a herpes virus specific to elephants cannot be ruled out. Because of the symptoms, tetanus is more likely.
