Mac, the Houston Zoo’s 2 year old Asian elephant whose mischievous nature endeared him to thousands of Zoo guests died Sunday night, November 9 following a brief struggle with the elephant herpesvirus. The entire Zoo staff is devastated. It’s difficult to put into words and describe the attachment that has developed over the past two years. This is a terrible loss especially for the elephant keepers and veterinary medical staff who cared for Mac during his time with us.
We are also aware how important Mac has become to our family of Members, Donors, Volunteers, Guests and the entire Houston community and we know that you share in our grief. Thank you to everyone who has supported the Houston Zoo and shown an amazing amount of affection for Mac in his two years at the Houston Zoo.
Houston Zoo elephant keepers alerted the Zoo’s veterinarians Sunday morning when they saw indications that Mac was exhibiting initial symptoms of elephant herpesvirus. Our keepers perform regular inspections of all our elephants and are trained to look for indications such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and swelling in certain areas of the head.
The Zoo’s veterinary medical team immediately began administering Famciclovir, an antiviral medication that has shown some limited success in past elephant herpes cases. “Veterinarians administered two doses of Famciclovir over a period of about 7 hours. The early indications were encouraging. Mac’s appetite rallied and he took some water. Despite the early intervention and the best efforts of the Zoo’s keepers and veterinary staff, Mac passed away at approximately 8:30 last night with his mother Shanti and his Aunt Methai at his side. The keepers and vet staff gave Shanti and Methai time alone to mourn Mac’s death. A necropsy, an animal autopsy, will be conducted at the state veterinary diagnostic lab at Texas A&M University. The results will not be known for several weeks.
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a recent discovery. The virus was identified in 1995 by researchers at the Smithsonian National Zoo and Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Many animals and humans carry herpesviruses throughout their lives and never become sick. For reasons not fully understood, herpesviruses can come out of latency and circulate through the bloodstream. Most elephants are able to fight the virus and survive when it comes out of latency. Calves appear to be most susceptible to the virus after they have been weaned.
Herpesviruses are not limited to elephants in zoos; herpesviruses are found in wild elephants. In fact, wild elephants in Asia have died from EEHV. The Houston Zoo, the AZA, the International Elephant Foundation and other zoos and institutions are supporting the effort of the National Elephant Herpesvirus Laboratory at the Smithsonian National Zoo on testing and treatment for the disease that will contribute to the long-term survival of the species in both zoo and wild populations.
There is no cure for herpesvirus in animals or humans. It is only when an elephant is demonstrating clinical illness that zoos are able to detect the EEHV virus in blood or tissue. There is not yet a direct test to detect elephant herpes virus in a healthy animal with a latent (hidden) infection.
Mac was born October 1, 2006 at the Houston Zoo and set a birth weight record for Asian elephants – 384 pounds. Playful, intelligent, curious and mischievous, Mac quickly became a favorite of Zoo guests and staff alike. Mac enjoyed interacting with his keepers and proved to be a good student, learning more than 30 “behaviors,” activities that provided exercise for him and gave his keepers the tools they needed to care for him.
We understand that Mac’s passing will have a significant impact on our entire Houston Zoo family and we share in your grief. Thank you for your love and support of Mac, and the Houston Zoo elephant family.
My family and I were fortunate enough to visit Houston Zoo and were taken behind the scenes at the zoo to the new elephant enclosure and meet Mac. We had the most fantastic time and it was one of the highlights of our holiday. We are so sad to hear of Mac's passing and would like to pass on our condolences to all Zoo staff especially Martina Stevens.
I am so sorry to hear about this. My family and I visited the zoo frequently, and we loved seeing Mac romp around. He touched our lives, and my heart goes out to his mother, aunt, keepers, and the other people whose hearts he touched. You will always be in our hearts, Mac. Rest in peace.
I am very very sorry Mac had to die.
I was sad to hear about Mac. May god rest his soul
My 7 year old daughter, Abby, would like to say a few words: I am so very sad about Mac. I love him so much. I enjoyed watching him play and hang out with his mother and Aunt. Mac was my favorite pet at the zoo. He is the reason I want to be a Zoo keeper when I grow up. We'll miss you Mac :-( Love, Abby Trevino
Dear Mac, RIP. May be God is jealous and he wants you there...
I was so sad to hear about Mac's passing. I saw him over July 4th weekend of this year. He was the most precious thing I've ever seen --making music with the chimes and bells on the enclosure and playing with the large tire he had. I'm glad to have known him even if it was just for that day.
I share the feeling of being broken hearted and so profoundly sad about the loss of our precious baby Mac. I don't know how the kids are going to take this news. I know there's a lot of broken hearts at Houston Zoo especially among the keepers and staff whose love for Mac was so true and palpable. You could tell they adored baby Mac by the care and smiles they always had when interacting with him. Bless you all and bless darling, precious Mac.
My family and I visted the Zoo in April 2007, we had a great time seeing the animals. We especially loved watching Mac. We are sorry the Zoo has lost a very special member of their family.
Baby Mac will always have a special place in my heart. He was born when my son was 5 weeks old, and it has been so fun to watch my own boy grow bigger and more mischievous along with his elephant brother during our numerous zoo visits. Our deepest condolences go out to Mac's animal and human families. Rest in peace, sweet Mac. You will be dearly missed.
I'm so sorry to hear about Mac's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Houston Zoo keepers and staff. Rest in peace, Mac!
My family visited Houston in October 2006 to see my aunt who was undergoing cancer treatment at MD Anderson. She asked if we could take a trip to the zoo so she could see Mac---she only wanted to see him. The chemo made her tired, and we couldn't do much at the zoo except sit and watch Mac play. My aunt died in 2007, and that trip was the last time I saw her, so that trip is very special to me. Because of that, Mac has always held a special place in my heart. I am so sorry.
We will so miss our beloved boy.I cant bring myself to even go to the zoo yet is there any way you can post the memorial video on your website for those of us who cannot be there.Our boy was taken too soon from us and I will miss heading straight to him as soon as I come into the zoo.You should bring his ashes back to the zoo and put them with the memorial as this was the only home he knew and he had so much fun here.To all the zoo handlers and people who had a chance to be with him every day I
I am so sorry to hear the news of Mac. I know how much of a part of the family he was to the zoo and all of the people that worked with him. He will help to find a successful treatment and maybe cure! May his spirit live on forever through all that he touched. rip lil buddy
What a joy Mac was! He brought smiles to so many faces. There were tears when I heard. I hope the tears of those whose lives he touched will turn again to smiles with the memories. My favorite Mac picture of him trying to sneak through the fence is at http://www.motherflash.com/graphics/pat/macescape.jpg ... he has now made his great escape, but will never escape from our hearts.
Such sad news when a beloved one passes on. Its even more devistating for people when this loved one lived for such a short time. My prayers go out to the zoo keepers and of course Mac's family of elephants.
Our family is very sad about Mac's passing. Our hearts go out to everyone that cared about Mac and really helped to make him so happy during his time with us. He certainly made us very happy. Mac will always be in our hearts and our thoughts. Our thoughts are with his animal family and his human family.
We visited the Houston Zoo on numerous occasions since Mac's birth. Each time we loved to watch Mac play and interact with his mother and aunt. One of our favorite memories was Mac playing with the keg. The keg rolled out of the fenced area just out of his reach. Mac tried for over 30 minutes to get that keg. He would lay down stretch his trunk or legs as far as he could to get it. He will be deeply missed. We support the Houston Zoo and their elephant breeding program. Let's find a cure
MY FAMILY LOVED MAC SO MUCH! MAC YOU'LL AWAYS BE IN ARE HEARTS. THE KIDS SAID THEY LOVE YOU VERY VERY MUCH. ARE DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO EVERYONE HE'S MOTHER, FAMILY. TO ZOO KEEPERS AND TRAINERS YOU'LL DID AGREAT JOB WORKING WITH HIM. MAC WILL BE MISS FOR WHICH HE WAS VERY SMART ELEPHANTY. THANKS FOR LETTING MY FAMILY KNOW OF HE'S PASSING. HE'S OUR FAMILYS FAVORIT ANIMAL.
My wife and I are deeply sadden to have learned of Mac's passing and wish to send our sympathy and prayers for the zoo staff and all who were fortunate enough to have met Mac.
I don't know what I am going to tell my 3 year old son about Mac the next time we visit. As members, we visit often and always hung out for 30-45 minutes observing Mac and his antics on every visit. He was a favorite of kids of many ages. I am only sorry that my newborn son will never get to know Mac. I hope that, in time, that the Houston Zoo will have overcome hardship and have success in future breedings. Mac, we'll see you at Heaven's gates!
When we heard about Mac it Hit us very hard,my son's class was just there two weeks ago and we got to see baby Mac while he was out with his mom and he looked so cut. When we got to th gate he looked at my sons class and he had the most beautiful look in his big eyes and it looked as if he was so happy to see the kids there it looked as if he was saying come on in and play with me guys well i told my son and he hasent stoped crying for him we loved him dearly and we are so sorry to everyone
I am sorry yall lost. MY grandkids were able to visit the zoo this last Good Friday and got to see Mac dance for his food and not want to get his bath that day. My grandkids fell in love with him . They said if he didnt have to a bath the did not have to either. That was the best day ever for them to see Him play with the trainers in that manor. God Bless all of yall and all the animals at the zoo.
What a sad day. Taylor (TAS) and I helped name baby Mac. We go to see him all the time. We were just there the other day for his birthday. He was always one of our most exciting stops when visiting the zoo. We'd like to say Thanks to the keepers, vets and volunteers for all their hard work and support to the zoo. The zoo is our most favorite pasttime due to all your efforts, love and care. God Bless.
My boys and I loved watching Mac play, he was always so full of energy. He always put a smile on our faces. We will miss him, but I'm sure not as much as his mama, aunt, and all his wonderful caretakers. We truly mourn your loss.
I visit the zoo almost every time I'm around the medical center. Mac has been a favorite! and brightened my days whenever I got to see him. Nothing was better after a hospital visit than a big baby elephant! :( He will be missed :(
I am sorry to hear about Mac. I am very fond of animal felt hurt when I read about Mac. How are his sibling behaving after Mac's death? Why couldn't zoo found earlier about Mac's health? Could his death be prevented? Is zoo taking any steps to prevent such illnesses.
We are so sad to hear about the loss of adorable baby Mac. I remember well the contest to pick his name, and how excited my daughters were to see him as soon as we could. He was such a beautiful noble animal. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for all you do to for our wonderful zoo animals. God bless you as you mourn.
I have always enjoyed the Houston Zoo. Sadly, I was never able to visit after Mac arrived. However, I kept up with him via TV, newspaper and Houston friends. Being an avid animal lover, I am deeply saddened at his passing and share the grief of everyone whose life he touched. Thank you, Houston Zoo animal lovers and keepers for holding a memorial. How very giving of you.
My sons are heartbroken. Never has an animal in a zoo across the country ever made such an impression. My youngest, 6, named his elephant stuffed animal Mac and showed the real dynamic Mac off to his fellow classmates on a field trip. Our thoughts and prayers to all at the zoo!!!
Bless Shanti and his aunt Methai. It's horrible for them. I know Mac isn't suffering anymore and in fac t he's up there flying around with all the other precious pets, including mine, who have left us either too early or it was old age. Either way, I love and miss them so much and my deep sorrows and love are with everyone. Hugs and love karen
We send our heartfelt condolences to all the folks at the Houston Zoo. We know how very hard you work to love and care for all the animals. Mac was truly special and we are so thankful for the time we were given to appreciate such an amazing creature. Our son McCauley (whose nickname is Mac) was especially proud to share his name. We wish you peace and hope as you continue the important work of educating people and protecting animals. Much love from Charles, Amanda, McCauley & Gray Goode.
I am so sorry about Mac. I will try to keep my environment safe so nothing can happen to any other animals. I will miss him very much. I am writing my current event article for my school tomorrow. I want everybody in my 3rd grade class to know who Mac was and that he will be missed.
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mac's passing. It amazes me how quickly people can develop such a bond for animals. My boys and I were fortunate enough to make it Mac's 2nd birthday and are grateful to have experienced it. Every staff and volunteer does such an amazing job with the animals and zoo operations that we feel lucky to have such a wonderful place to enjoy. Thanks for all you do and know that you are not alone in your grief.
I am so sad that Mac died.My brother and I loved looking at him when we were passing by the elephants.I really wish to see him again!
We are so sad that Mac passed away. We loved going to see him every time we came to the zoo. We loved him very much. We will miss him. We pray that God will comfort all those who need comfort during this terrible time. May Mac rest in peace! :-(
I'm gonna miss him so much
When I read about Mac's passing, tears immediately sprang to my eyes. It was a gift to watch him grow. I know my 2 year old daughter will greatly miss him. He was so loved in this city, I hope that will bring solace to the keepers who cared for him.
I am truly saddened by the passing of Mac, I have been so proud of the certificate of adoption hanging on my wall in my office. I will surly miss the little fella! But he will always have a place in my heart and in my office.
We are so sorry to about Mac's passing. My children(2 & 4) loved him so much. Especially my son(4), Mac was the first thing we had to see when we got there and the last thing before we left. When we would go to the zoo my son would talk about Baby Mac all the way there. I have not yet told my son about Mc's passing I just don't know how yet. Mac will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his Elephant & zoo family. May his Mother, Aunt & new playmate Tucker find comfort in the days to com
I am so sad to hear what has happen to our beloved Mac, My family and I were there at his first birthday and his second birthday and we just saw him at halloween. My girls loved mac, my 4 daughter always wanted to go say hello to mac first and my 2 year old girl would call all the other animals mac. My heart goes out to macs family and his keepers. :.-(
I am just heartbroken over this. We adopted Mac for our daughter's 1st birthday and went to see him shortly after. We loved to see how playful he was. I am deeply saddened by this and my heart goes out to all at the zoo who knew him and were close to him.
I am just heartbroken. My family and I were at the zoo just a week and a half ago for Mac's 2nd birthday party...I can't believe he passed away just a week later. Both my children (20 months and 3 1/2) loved seeing him play! I will treasure the many pictures I took of him and his playmate, Tucker. He was such a joy to watch and I can only imagine the heartache that his keepers must be feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with his little elephant family and all of the zoo staff mourning his
I love Mac so much and visiting the zoo will never be the same. My thoughts and prayers to his elephant family and zoo staffs. P.S. I was one of the few lucky viewers who saw Mac's birth on TV two years ago. I never thought we would loose him two years later.
I am deeply saddened to hear of this terrible lost. I remembered how excited I was two years ago when Mac was born. He was such a lovable, playful, most adorable, beautiful baby boy. I cannot stop crying every time I think about this huge lost to all of us. I didn't realized that last week would be the last time I will ever see him again. I saw him played with the other baby elephant last week. His playmate will miss him so.....I will treasure the last photo I took of Mac.
I am deeply saddened to hear of this terrible lost. I remembered how excited I was (and everyone else) two years ago when Mac was born. He was such a lovable, playful, most adorable, beautiful baby boy.
Poor baby Mac! I know what it feels like to loose a pet, but Mac was more than a pet, he was a part of everyones family. A beloved Houstonian Elephant. The crowd favorite at the zoo, I just can't believe he's gone. He captivated Houston's attention with his charisma and bigger-than-life personality. We love you big guy, we'll never forget you!
I am deeply saddened to hear of this terrible lost. I remembered how excited I was (and everyone else) two years ago when Mac was born. He was such a lovable, playful, most adorable, beautiful baby boy. I cannot stop crying every time I think about this huge lost to all of us. He brought joy to all of us who saw him in person. I didn't realized that last week would be the last time I will ever see him again. I saw him played with the other baby elephant last week. His playmate will miss
OMG! I just read an e-mail that told me what happened. I can't believe that happened! Just a few weeks before, we were all excited about his Not so terrible Twos celebration and now we are devastated. My 16 year old sister absolutely ADORES elephants. She was so excited to go to the party but we were unable to attend. We were planning to go next weekend so we could see him, but now we can't. My sister still loves the zoo, (as do I) but it will never be the same without Mac. Be strong.
We've taken our kids to the zoo almost every week for the past 1.5 years. We ALWAYS stopped to see Mac. Our daughter especially loved him and we, like you I'm sure, miss him greatly. Zoos are so wonderful because they permit us to know and love personalities from other corridors of the animal kingdom. Mac was a great ambassador, a bit of a comedian, and a wonderful friend. We miss him greatly and hope there is comfort for his mother and aunt.
Mac we love you and will miss you very much!! You were a wonderful gift to the Houston Zoo that was taken too soon. We're sad we won't be able to see you grow and play anymore, but you will always be remembered in our hearts. Thank you for making us laugh and letting us visit you.
God Bless little Mac. I wish I was there to comfort him and the other elephants. I will miss him very much. Love, Juliet (age 6)
We were so lucky to see Mac on Sunday morning at the Zookeeper's chat and will always remember how cute he was. Much love to the zookeepers and elephant family from us all!
It is one of the saddest days of my life. Mac was the animal that was adopted for me for Christmas last year. What I really loved about him was his goofeyness and the way he plated with his ball. I lost one of my own pets this year and so my heart goes out to the staff at the zoo. I felt like Mac was my own pet. He like Bella will never be forgotten. And to his mother and Aunt they have my heart. Also his new friend who only had him for a short time.
Dear Houston zoo,I was so sad when Mac died.I wish that dieing was just fantasy.well miss you little angel! love,Katie&Anna. ps.were just kids.
I never thought I woud be more upset than when Bella died, but my heart is broken in so many ways. I loved Mac dearly. I can only begin to feel what his keepers are feeling and I am sending them all my love and support. Mac's life will NOT be forgotten, just as Bella's never will. Houston Zoo- I love you so much! I will continue to come and support you until I no longer live on this earth. Thank you for all you do for conservation! You are all dearly loved by this former Zoo Crew-er and HZI fa
Dear Mac, You were bestest friend at the zoo. I will miss you. I hope your mommy is o.k. I love you!
We are going to miss you always Mac. We Still remember you learning to stand up and learning to eat. Love you
I am so sorry for your loss. I know, Mac was not just an elephant, but your baby as well. Our prayers are with the entire zoo staff. I know the joy that he brought ya'll for the short two years will always be in your hearts. What a blessing Mac was, he will be missed greatly.
Our heart go out to Mac's family and zoo keepers. Mac has been on my mind ever since I found out he passed. We just saw him at his bday party. My son is 17months old and we have taken him to the zoo many times. He loved all of the animals, just like me. But he adored Mac. He laughed and laughed when he saw him. I am truly sad for the loss of that beautful precious baby. My son has a little elephant backpack that he takes everywhere with him. We will always miss and love you Mac!!! Love, Savanna
Dear baby Mac... you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Our deepest sympathy with your family of elephants and people. We love you.
I am so terribly sorry to hear about Mac. Words cannot express how much he will be missed. My 3 year old son...I don't even know how to tell him. We read the Zoo flyer about Mac every night. Rest in Peace, sweet Mac.
It's truely a sad occassion with Mac's passing.We are zoo members and go to the zoo regularly.this year for my son & his friend's birthdays we adopted each child an animal from the zoo for their 3rd birthday.my son picked Mac & had just received the adoption package last month.each time we visit the zoo we see the elephants & now that my son has baby mac he specifically asks to see him.our home is very sad for this loss.Our condolences to the zoo & especially mac's elephant family as they mo
My heart will forever remember Mac and Bella.
What very sad news. Mac was one of our favorites. My grandkids (especially my grandson) would stand forever watching Mac run and play. He did so many things that the kids do - climbing, playing with his ball, hugging his Mom. He will be missed by everyone. My heart goes out to the zoo staff. Bless you all for taking such good care of Mac during his short life. There's an empty spot at the zoo and in our hearts.
I fell in love with Mac when I first saw pictures of him. When I went to see him he was so playful such a baby. I feel I've lost a family member I cannot imagine how it is for all of his keepers. I will always have the memory of Mac rolling in the hay while the big guys were trying to eat. He touched our hearts and I know he enjoyed the short life he shared with us.
My heart is saddened at the lost of that precious little soul! Deepest sympathy goes out to his family (elephant and human alike)! I never got to see him in person, but his pictures were a delight! Rest in peace, little one!
It won't be the same without you little man! We love you.
my son Dante is a Thai native of which the elephant represents their country and heritage.. it was a sad day for me and my son being Mac was a ritual every month to see.. He will be missed...
This is such heartbreaking news! When I heard he was ill I prayed and prayed tha the would get well. We just made our first family trip with our 9 month old son to the Zoo a few weeks ago and I just fell in love with Mac. In fact we spent most of our time watching him. I am just devastated and I can only imagine how his keepers and family hurt right now. It makes me sick- I can't stop crying, my heart and my prayers go out to everyone who loved Mac. God Bless him for making us all so happy!
I am close to tears. He was so cute and fun to see. My heart goes out to the zoo staff that cared for Mac. I know you all are lost without him.
I was so heartsick to hear the news of baby Mac's passing. He was born just over a month after my son was born and we've so enjoyed watching him grow and comparing the development of our human baby to Shanti's elephant baby. I'm so sad. I can't imagine how to break the news to my kiddos. Given how upsetting this is to me, I can't begin to understand what his keepers, Shanti & Methai are feeling. My heart goes out to all who are hurting.
What sad news i didn't hear about mac's passing away till my little sister e-mailed me and told me. I didn't believe her so i looked it up and here it is. I'm 19 yrs old and this really hurt my heart. My condolences goes out to all his keepers and family.
I watched Mac and Tucker play the other morning like two little kids and they were having a grand time. I know the zoo staff is grieving and we grieve with you. It is time to spend additional research into this virus that takes the lives of elephants. My prayers are with the staff.
Every time I hear or read more about this I get a lump in my throat. My husband and I saw baby Mac when he was three months old and I was mesmerized! He was SO precious! I said to my husband, Do you realize this is the first time either of us has seen a baby elephant outside of a photograph? Truly a very special moment for me. To his caretakers at the zoo, my heart aches for you -- and his elephant family. Thank you for your care and devotion to this sweet little guy.
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Mac. We were at the Zoo last Tuesday and I have the best picture of Mac on his head, with my 2 year old in front of him. I will treasure it always, as I treasure the beautiful picture of Bella I have with my four year old. I will pray for strength and understanding for all the Zoo trainers.
I never had a chance to see Mac, but from what I've seen in pictures Mac was adorable and quite a character. I know how much of a triumph it is when an endangered species is successfully born in captivity. This is a great loss to the animal conservation world. My condolences to the staff at the zoo and Mac's fellow mates at the Houston Zoo.
I brought my children on Sunday to the zoo and we really enjoyed seing Mac he was throwing his hay on his head, we took pictures of him and the kids really loved him. I am so sorry for the loss. He will be missed and loved always
I would just like to say that we enjoyed these two years of being able to visit Mac at our zoo. It is very sad to him go and may God bless his family including the family that watched over him for the past two years, our zoo keepers.
Mac, we love you!! We celebrated Mac's 1st and 2nd birthdays with him and so enjoyed watching him romp around his pen with his friends and family. We miss him already. Our visits to the zoo will never be the same. Our hearts go out to Mac's elephant and human family...
This a really sad new. I can't imagine how his elephant family must be feeling. Terrible! I know how smart elephants are. also, I am so sorry about the people that took care of him and loved him and God knows how much you do for the animals. God bless him!
What sad, sad news. Every year my husband and I take our son, Chase, to the zoo on his birthday as a family tradition. The elephants, especially Baby Mac, were one of our favorites to visit. My heart goes out to the zoo family and all that knew him.
I am a frequent visitor to the zoo and Mac makes me laugh everytime I am there. My heart goes out to his Elephant family and is zoo family.
I feel so terrible about Mac's passing. My wife asked me to take our babies to the zoo to celebrate Mac's last birthday and I chose not to do so because I was tired. Now, I feel really bad because my family loved Mac and was there for almost every event that was held for Mac. The questions I have are these: Will there be some type of rememberance for Mac? Is there a furneral/burial?
the first time i went to the zoo was this june ,on my 16th birthday.all of the animals were beautiful and sweet cute etc. but mac was my favorite. i watched him eat with his parents and they were all wonderful and loving. i bought an(over priced :) but adorable) little mac stuffed animal. im so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderful spirit and loving little elephant.
My family and I are so sorry to hear of Mac's passing!! He was such a blessing to the Zoo an dcity. We will treasure our memories and miss him.