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Smithsonian Zoo Tests EEHV Exposure to Save Elephant Linh Mai

8/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is testing a protocol that exposes elephant Linh Mai to EEHV, a virus that kills 60 percent of Asian elephant calves.
Staff collect mucus with saline, send it to a lab, and re-inject it into Linh Mai, a procedure Veterinarian James Steeil says gives her a chance to survive and develop immunity.
Director Tony Barthel hopes she will become an integral herd member and boost elephant-conservation support.

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Story summary

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is testing a protocol that exposes elephant Linh Mai to EEHV, a virus that kills 60 percent of Asian elephant calves.
Staff collect mucus with saline, send it to a lab, and re-inject it into Linh Mai, a procedure Veterinarian James Steeil says gives her a chance to survive and develop immunity.
Director Tony Barthel hopes she will become an integral herd member and boost elephant-conservation support.