10/02/10Baby circus elephant recovering from virus

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upi.com Wrote:

POLK CITY, Fla., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A 1-year-old elephant pulled from the circus lineup because of a dangerous disease is recovering in Florida, Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey says.

Barack, born Jan. 19, 2009, the day before his namesake's inauguration, went on sick leave soon after being brought into the show two weeks ago, WFTS-TV, Tampa, Fla., reports. His trainers noticed he was exhausted after his first shows.

Blood tests showed the Asian elephant had herpes, Danielle Graham, a circus veterinarian, said. The disease kills 85 percent of the elephants who contract it, and scientists do not understand how they become infected.

Barack was treated with anti-viral medication at a Polk City facility and reunited with his mother.

"It's a virus like the flu kind of in that sense where there is not something that cures it, just a lot of supportive care that goes into it,"

said Graham.

Barack is now convalescing, going for runs in the fields and eating apples by the dozen. Graham hopes he can return to performing but says he will remain in Polk City until he is completely recovered.

As a 1,000-pound youngster, Barack's role was limited to waving and extending his trunk into the air.

[embm]

awww hope hes ok now