Giraffe Calf Update
July 3, 2010 • 11 a.m.

The female giraffe calf born June 30 at Dickerson Park Zoo died overnight July 3.

Following birth, the calf was unable to stand up on her own without the assistance of zookeepers and did not nurse from her mother "Cheka." Zookeepers moved the calf and her mother into the giraffe barn where they could provide additional care for the calf.

Yesterday, the calf was moved from the giraffe barn to the African hoofed animal holding area, an off-exhibit facility, where zookeepers could monitor her condition more closely in an environment with lower stress and a higher degree of safety for both the animal and the staff. Initially, the calf's condition improved Friday. She appeared to be more alert and walked around unaided once zookeepers helped her stand. Unfortunately, the calf's condition worsened again overnight.

At birth, the calf was breech, and that may have been a contributing factor to the difficulties she experienced. The zoo's veterinarian will perform a necropsy to better understand the cause of death.

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Giraffe Calf Update
July 2, 2010 • 3:30 p.m.

The female giraffe born June 30 at Dickerson Park Zoo remains under the care of zoo keepers and the zoo’s veterinarian. Still unable to stand on her own, she has not nursed from her mother after two days. After being assisted to her feet, she can still stand and walk for short periods of time. Her condition is still not stable.

Late this morning, the decision was made to move her from the giraffe building to the African hoofed animal holding area, an off-exhibit facility that serves as night house and winter quarters for warthogs, zebras, antelopes and other animals. There, animal care staff will be able to closely monitor her in an environment with less stress and a much greater degree of safety, both for keepers and for the calf.

The calf will be bottle-fed four times a day and will receive additional fluids and treatment as needed.

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Giraffe Calf Update
July 1, 2010 • 5 p.m.

After a day in the giraffe barn with special attention from zookeepers, the female giraffe calf born June 30 at Dickerson Park Zoo has made some progress. Although the calf is still unable to stand on her own, once the zoo staff assists her in standing, she is able to stand and walk for short periods of time. However, she still has not nursed from her mother, receiving supplemental nutrition with bottle feedings.

Zoo staff will continue to monitor the calf throughout the night. The mother-calf pair will remain in the giraffe barn and out of the view of the public until the calf's condition is more stable.

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Giraffe Calf Update
July 1, 2010 • 9:30 a.m.

The female giraffe calf born June 30 at Dickerson Park Zoo had a difficult night and has been moved to the giraffe barn with her mother "Cheka" while the animal care staff provides more intensive care. The pair will be out of the view of the public until the calf's condition improves and stabilizes.

The calf stood for only brief periods over night and is not nursing. Zookeepers are providing supplemental nutrition to help the calf gain strength.

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