Oh, baby! Zoo in Nebraska welcomes female giraffe calf

OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska welcomed a female giraffe calfearly Sunday morning, according to a news release from the zoo.

The calf was born at 12:40 a.m. She weighed 108 pounds and was 5'7" tall. She successfully stood up at 1:30 a.m.

She was born to her mother, Zola, who is 8-years-old, and her father, Jawara, who is 14-years-old.

The Zoo said Zola did not take to the calf well despite a normal delivery, but the Animal Care Team prepares for such situations.

Our team spends months preparing for animal births and for as many different outcomes as imaginable,” said Dr. Taylor Yaw, Director of Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “In this case, as we monitored Mom and calf after the birth, we were able to make the decision to intervene. We provided nutrition and medical care to the calf, which included a plasma transfusion from father Jawara’s previously banked plasma. Our team is working to transition the calf to a bottle. The plasma is intended to boost the calf’s immune system."

Zola is doing well, and she is with the herd.

Our teams are excited about this birth, and cautiously optimistic that our treatments, supportive care and unwavering dedication will help this baby Giraffe survive,” said Dr. Luis R. Padilla, who is the president and CEO of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “Our Giraffe calf is in the best hands, receiving continuous care and love from our talented veterinarians, technicians and caretakers.”