A baby Masai giraffe born weeks ago at the Senaca Park Zoo in Rochester, New York, has been euthanized. On Friday, the zoo released information about the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the calf, who was born on July 12 with a congenital abnormality of his front fetlock joint.
Dr. Chris McKinney, Zoo Veterinarian explained:
“The calf was showing additional signs of degradation. He was increasingly lethargic, nursing less, and showing signs of stress, which indicate decline in the quality of life. While some fetlock issues can heal, the calf’s limb abnormality was especially pronounced.”
Because giraffes bear most of their weight on their front legs, recovering from joint abnormalities is difficult.
Seneca Park Zoo Director Steve Lacy said that the staff is mourning the calf’s death:
“Our animal health and animal care staff are heartbroken. Our staff worked around-the-clock doing everything we possibly could to ensure viability. The level of care the calf received was nothing short of exemplary. I would like to also thank our colleagues at Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Bronx Zoo, and San Diego Zoo, as well as Dr. Noha Abou-Madi from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, for their expert guidance and invaluable input to the care of the calf.”
Giraffes need to be in the wild, not in a zoo.
I agree. However, giraffes are becoming endangered and are absolutely not safe in countries that sell their deaths to trophy hunters. Legitimate Sanctuaries are becoming the only safe place for this precious, sentient creatures.
In the wild this calf would have had a miserable death.
Now this is euthanization unlike what is done to healthy animals. That is killing that is too often whitewashed by the term ‘euthanization’. It is a conundrum because as is said below, giraffes are endangered and not safe in the wild yet at the same time that is where they should be. Such a dangerous and invasive species we are.
Poor little baby. Never got to have a life.
Rest in Peace poor Baby What was his name?