Never Forget | Conservation at Chester Zoo

We’re working to find a solution to EEHV

This devastating and lethal disease is having a catastrophic effect on the global conservation of Asian elephants. We’re working to find a solution to the problem as soon as possible to stop more elephants from dying.

EEHV RESEARCH MILESTONE

Thanks to your support through our Never Forget fundraising campaign, we’re making great progress in tackling Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV).

In a global conservation breakthrough, the first ever EEHV vaccine has been developed by scientists at Chester Zoo, the University of Surrey and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). In a landmark trial, the vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in triggering a strong immune response - a crucial step towards preventing EEHV.

The vaccine is now ready for a wider roll-out globally, bringing new hope for the protection of future generations of Asian elephants.

Find out more about the groundbreaking new vaccine

You can make a big difference

Your donations will fund vital conservation work as we continue to learn more about EEHV, establish further treatment options for sick elephants and move into the next phase of vaccine development.

Asian elephants are endangered and every calf lost to this disease is a blow to this magnificent and irreplaceable species. Thank you for donating and helping us prevent extinction.

For donations over £250, please email us, and we will be happy to help!

EEHV doesn’t discriminate

EEHV is a deadly and complex virus that represents a major threat to the survival of endangered Asian elephants. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a two-year-old elephant calf at our zoo or a young elephant in the wild in Asia - this is a problem right around the world, which makes it even more critical that we find an answer.

Currently, not enough is known about this disease, so our scientists are working hard to understand the virus better and help reduce elephant deaths, both in the wild and in zoos.

We’re part of the global conservation community committed to the conservation of Asian elephants, and we will continue carrying out intensive research to discover more about this virus and how to treat it.

We don't want it to be an extinction level event for this magnificent animal.

You are helping us fight for the future of Asian elephants.

What we're doing

We’re continuing to work to advance our understanding of EEHV and improve outcomes for Asian elephants under threat.

Our scientists’ work at the zoo is teaching us a huge amount about how elephants and the virus interact, which will ultimately benefit Asian elephants across the globe.

An EEHV vaccine is a critical tool in helping us to prevent the extinction of Asian elephants. In 2021, the world’s first vaccine was developed by Chester Zoo, the University of Surrey and APHA team. In a trial spanning four years and involving a small group of elephants, we have been able to confirm the vaccine’s safety and its ability to stimulate a protective immune response.

The next phase will see a careful rollout to more elephants, prioritising young individuals who are most at risk of developing the disease.

Thanks to you, our amazing supporters, we are able to continue this vital research.

Discover all the latest news about Asian elephants

Stay up to date with all the latest zoo news surrounding the Hi-Way herd.

Want to learn more about EEHV?

Find the answers to your questions in our handy EEHV frequently asked questions.

Read our FAQs