Jackson Zoo Mourns Baby Giraffe | Jackson Free Press | Jackson, MS

Jackson Zoo Mourns Baby Giraffe

"We were pleased with its progress, so it was quite a shock Sunday to come in," Mims said.

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The Jackson Zoo and members of the community mourned the death of its week-old female giraffe calf Sunday morning. Born on May 5, the newborn was a little underweight, but director of marketing and public relations, Christopher Mims said that she had gained at least five pounds by Saturday.

Jackson Zoo's consulting veterinarian Dr. Rodney Walker diagnosed the 87-pound calf with weak flexor tendons in its hind legs last week after staff members noticed the giraffe standing oddly.

A necropsy has been performed on the calf, but zoo personnel still await a pathologist's results. The calf had not been named, yet; the zoo was planning to hold a naming contest.

Previous Comments

ID
129668
Comment

This story made my baby girl cry.

Author
Lady Havoc
Date
2008-05-12T17:00:50-06:00
ID
129669
Comment

I know, Lady. So, so sad. :-(

Author
DonnaLadd
Date
2008-05-12T17:18:52-06:00
ID
129683
Comment

I'm an animal lover, so I was saddened by the news. I was already concerned about the giraffe's future because of her hind legs.

Author
LatashaWillis
Date
2008-05-12T20:28:20-06:00
ID
129684
Comment

Oh, no! :( That is too sad.

Author
ellen
Date
2008-05-13T07:10:13-06:00

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