Shock death of beloved elephant at Melbourne Zoo

A much-loved Asian elephant has died suddenly at Melbourne Zoo after a short illness, leaving zookeepers shattered by the news.

Man Jai was born at Melbourne Zoo in 2014. Picture: David Caird.

An Asian elephant has tragically died at Melbourne Zoo, aged just nine years old.

After an acute onset of an incurable elephant disease – elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus – the elephant known as Man Jai devastatingly passed away this morning.

Falling within the vulnerable age for the disease, Man Jai was diagnosed on Monday and succumbed to the illness quickly.

Man Jai died in the early hours of Thursday morning. Picture: David Caird

Melbourne Zoo keepers – who monitor the zoo’s herd closely for signs of EEHV – noticed the elephant’s uncharacteristic lethargy and swollen neck and had him tested and diagnosed immediately.

Despite the zoo’s veterinary and keeper expertise and around-the-clock care, Man Jai tragically lost his life to the virus in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Director of Melbourne Zoo Sheri Horiszny said many people will have special memories of Man Jai.

Man Jai is being remembered as a ‘spectacular’ elephant who was loved by many. Picture: Kylie Else

“Man Jai was playful, joyful and adored by his herd and all who knew him,” Ms Horiszny said.

“We are deeply affected by the loss of such a spectacular elephant, and we will all miss him so much.

“It’s hard to find the words to share how difficult this is for all the keepers who looked after him for his whole life and worked tirelessly to try to save him.

“Our focus now is to continue closely monitoring the rest of the elephant herd, which is also grieving.”

The staff, volunteers and, in particular, Man Jai’s keeper team – many of whom have cared for him since he was born – have been devastated by the loss.

Melbourne Zoo Trail of the Elephants is currently closed to visitors.