On Wednesday, July 22, Audrey the giraffe’s wee calf died less than 24 hours after being born.
Audrey, a 12-year-old Masai giraffe, went into labor about 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Just under two hours later, her female calf arrived. Soon after, however, it was clear there were complications, as the calf was struggling to get up on her feet despite help and encouragement from Audrey. Healthy newborn giraffes are generally standing on their wobbly legs within the first hour of birth.
The assembled giraffe keepers and Dr. Julie Barnes, the zoo’s vice president of animal care and health, intervened on the calf’s behalf. The team massaged her legs, shoulders, and hips, warmed her with dry towels, and leaned her against a hay bale to use for leverage when she tried to stand, among other mediations. The staff provided dedicated care throughout the night, but by the next morning, the baby’s condition had not improved.