Ellie The Elephant Treated For Tuberculosis At St. Louis Zoo

ST. LOUIS, MO — Ellie, a 46-year-old Asian elephant, has tested positive for tuberculosis at the St. Louis Zoo. Veterinarians have started a treatment plan that includes antibiotics and have informed federal and state agencies of the diagnosis. She does not pose any risk to zoo visitors, the zoo said in a statement, and is expected to recover.

“Because the St. Louis Zoo is dedicated to caring for animals, our established protocols have allowed us to detect this early and take necessary steps for Ellie,” said Luis Padilla, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health. “Elephants with tuberculosis can be treated. Ellie has a professional and caring team devoted to her health and well-being, and together we are developing an individualized treatment plan for her.”

The zoo routinely screens for TB and other diseases as part of a comprehensive health program for its animals. The disease is fairly common in elephants, and can usually be treated successfully. Another of the zoo's elephants, Donna, was treated in 2011.

"Ellie is not showing any symptoms," a spokesperson for the zoo said. "She will remain with her family to maintain social support while she is under veterinary care."

Ellie has been at the St. Louis Zoo since 2001. As few as 35,000 Asian elephants remain in the wild, victims of deforestation and poaching.

Photo by J. Ryne Danielson