07/05 ~ GV Zoo loses their baby Giraffe despite round-the-clock efforts
Greater Vancouver Zoo – MEDIA ADVISORY
Date: July 5th 2006
For Immediate Release
Greater Vancouver Zoo loses their baby Giraffe despite round-the-clock efforts
Aldergrove – It is with great sadness that the Greater Vancouver Zoo has to report on the loss of our baby giraffe. Our female giraffe, Eleah, began to give birth early in the morning of Wednesday June 21 and after much deliberation; it was decided to intervene since it was clear she would not be able to deliver without assistance.
Because of a very difficult birth, vigorous attempts were made by the keepers and our Veterinary, Dr. Burton, to revive the calf. After many hours of intensive care and against all odds the calf began to respond. From being completely unable to stand or even hold her head up, with help she was able to stand and soon walk on her own. A round-the-clock watch was set-up to care and observe for the baby giraffe, keepers took turns watching and getting minimal sleep. For a couple of days she got stronger then she leveled out, but was never able to nurse normally and had to be force fed. She continued to hold her own for the first week and then Thursday June 29th, she took a turn for the worse. She became less and less responsive and was rushed to the Veterinary Hospital….sadly, she passed away quietly in the arms of those of cared and loved her dearly.
The post mortem results indicated several rib fractures and pneumonia. “How she lived eight days, let alone improved during that time, was unimaginable, given the trauma she experienced at birth and can only be attributed to the continuous support and dedicated care provided by the keepers and staff at the Greater Vancouver Zoo”, Dr. Burton (Veterinary for the Zoo).
It is difficult to adequately describe, and even possibly understand, the profound sense of loss experienced by those who had a part in trying to save her. The emotional highs and lows that such a loss causes to those of us who shared her brief time on earth may soften over time, but they will never, and should never, be forgotten.
Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Fax: 604.857.9008
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
Date: July 5th 2006
For Immediate Release
Greater Vancouver Zoo loses their baby Giraffe despite round-the-clock efforts
Aldergrove – It is with great sadness that the Greater Vancouver Zoo has to report on the loss of our baby giraffe. Our female giraffe, Eleah, began to give birth early in the morning of Wednesday June 21 and after much deliberation; it was decided to intervene since it was clear she would not be able to deliver without assistance.
Because of a very difficult birth, vigorous attempts were made by the keepers and our Veterinary, Dr. Burton, to revive the calf. After many hours of intensive care and against all odds the calf began to respond. From being completely unable to stand or even hold her head up, with help she was able to stand and soon walk on her own. A round-the-clock watch was set-up to care and observe for the baby giraffe, keepers took turns watching and getting minimal sleep. For a couple of days she got stronger then she leveled out, but was never able to nurse normally and had to be force fed. She continued to hold her own for the first week and then Thursday June 29th, she took a turn for the worse. She became less and less responsive and was rushed to the Veterinary Hospital….sadly, she passed away quietly in the arms of those of cared and loved her dearly.
The post mortem results indicated several rib fractures and pneumonia. “How she lived eight days, let alone improved during that time, was unimaginable, given the trauma she experienced at birth and can only be attributed to the continuous support and dedicated care provided by the keepers and staff at the Greater Vancouver Zoo”, Dr. Burton (Veterinary for the Zoo).
It is difficult to adequately describe, and even possibly understand, the profound sense of loss experienced by those who had a part in trying to save her. The emotional highs and lows that such a loss causes to those of us who shared her brief time on earth may soften over time, but they will never, and should never, be forgotten.
Media Contact:
Jody Henderson
Marketing & Promotions Manager
Phone: 604.856.6825 x 33
Fax: 604.857.9008
Email: jhenderson@gvzoo.com
