Chip Chick
The Chester Zoo, in Cheshire, England, is trying to; combat this unpredictable illness through the power of science and prevent the extinction of these majestic animals through global Asian elephant conservation.
Along with the University of Surrey, their team has developed a ground-breaking new vaccination that gives the Asian elephant population hope of survival. The vaccine is the first of its kind to enter a pilot study anywhere globally.
Their elephant care experts lead the vaccine pilot study, supported by many conservation zoos in the UK and Ireland, including Dublin Zoo, Whipsnade Zoo, Blackpool Zoo, and Woburn Safari Park.
Dr. Tanja Maehr, a Lead Researcher at the University of Surrey and Chester Zoo Conservation Fellow, feels, “This is an important moment in our research. Now that we have entered a pilot study stage, there is real optimism we can find a safe vaccine that works.”
For more information, you can check out the Chester Zoo’s initiative here.
On a personal note, I remember going to the Philadelphia Zoo in Pennsylvania as a small child. I looked forward to visiting the elephants.
Thinking about it brings me back to feeling so small standing so close to such magnificent creatures. Someday I hope our grandchildren’s grandchildren have the privilege to stand just as close and not just read about them in a book.
Save the elephants. As Dr. Seuss said, “I meant what I said, and I said what I meant, An elephant’s faithful one hundred percent!”
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