Delhi's Quarantine Extended

Dear Delhi Supporters,

Everyone has been waiting for the day when Delhi will be released into the herd to meet her new family. Regardless of the physical barrier that separates them, it is obvious the elephants have made their acquaintances and are ready for the big day.

During Delhi's six month quarantine period we have painstakingly gathered all the information we could find about tuberculosis in elephants. Our goal is to safeguard not only Delhi's health but the health of the other elephants as well. It has been a frustrating search for knowledge as there is little written on the subject. Due to the lack of scientific data pertaining specifically to elephants, tuberculosis tests, diagnoses and treatments are extrapolated from other species. In our quest for knowledge we have struggled with the real question of what is the responsible way to manage an elephant that has been exposed to tuberculoses. Some answers are obvious, others are not.

We realize that there is too little known about this disease in elephants, specifically diagnostics and treatment. One veterinarian put it bluntly when she stated that the only time we can know without question that an elephant does not have tuberculosis is post mortem.

Delhi has been in quarantine for over 6 months. All of her TB culture tests have come back negative which is a good sign. She has gained weight from the moment she arrived and has been extremely playful and cooperative with her caregivers. Most remarkable is the miraculous healing response we have seen with her feet. All of this would lead us to believe that Delhi is TB free; there are no indicators that would make us think otherwise...but, since diagnostics are not fool-proof, we must remain cautious.

The USDA has informed us that they require the results from Delhi's third set of TB tests before allowing her to be put in with other elephants. Although these tests have already been taken, we have to wait 6-7 weeks for the test results. That means Delhi will have to remain in quarantine for another 6-7 weeks while the cultures grow. Yes, we are devastated, probably more than Delhi. The decision is a little easier to accept knowing that Delhi is content and thoroughly enjoying her new found freedom.

Thanks for your understanding and support,

Carol