Jackson Free Press

Spring, prime time for school field-trips, is a busy time for Jackson Zoo keepers and staff. On May 5, however, witnesses stood in awe as Diamond the giraffe gave birth to an 87-pound baby.

After a thorough, almost ritualistic, cleaning by its mother, Diamond, and father, Casper, the calf slowly rose to the delight of interested spectators. The staff noticed that the baby giraffe stood strangely. Veterinarians soon diagnosed the newborn with weak flexor tendons in the hind legs. The calf's right hind leg was bent back. While the calf seems to experience no pain, veterinarians are conservatively treating her condition to ensure she receives every opportunity to grow properly and remain healthy, noting her daily progress.

"They put a sock on her right leg. The doctors took it off Friday," says Rosemary Jalink, the zoo's marketing and promotions director, "She's out and walking around with mom."

Visitors to the zoo can see the calf, which doesn't have a name, yet. Zookeepers are keeping an older sibling, Ruby, away from mother and calf for now as a precautionary measure.

The Jackson Zoo is holding a contest to name the baby giraffe. For $1, anyone can submit a name suggestion. The zoo will collect suggestions through May 25, Jalink says. The staff will narrow the names down to five, and the giraffe keepers will chose the final name they feel best fits the calf.

To find out how to submit a name, call (601)352-2580. The Jackson Zoo is at 2918 West Capitol St. and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Previous Comments

ID

163497

Comment

She is so cute! I want to go see her while she's still little. But can you imagine having an 87 lb. baby? Yikes!

Author

andi

Date

2011-05-11T21:48:56-06:00