Melbourne Zoo’s baby elephant calf battling ‘serious blood-borne infection’

A critically ill baby elephant born at Melbourne Zoo with a genetic condition that prevents her from standing is battling a serious blood-borne infection.

The Asian elephant calf, nicknamed ‘Willow’, has a congenital carpal flexure condition that stops her straightening her front legs, standing up and bearing her own weight.

Since her birth in June, she has been battling medical hurdles and Melbourne Zoo staff have worked around the clock to treat her.

Senior Veterinarian Helen McCracken said the calf is dependent on intravenous drips for the antibiotics, fluids and nutrition she needs.

“Tests have identified three species of bacteria responsible for the infection, so she is now being treated with anti-biotics designed to combat those specific bacteria,” Dr McCracken said.

Unfortunately, the infection may have spread to the calf’s other organs, she said.

“Dr McCracken says that such infections carry the risk of spreading to other body organs, causing potentially life-threatening problems, and that from ultrasound scans conducted yesterday it appears that she now has several such problems, so further tests are planned to assess suspicion that this is affecting her heart function,” a Melbourne Zoo statement read.

“The team is doing everything possible to get her through this crisis, encouraging her to rest as much as possible so her system can combat the infection.”

“She remains within sight and sound of her mother,” Dr McCracken said.