Pictoral Tribute to B.J. the Giraffe

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By rottlady

Fri Dec 21, 2012 5:49 AM

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Article Photo — This is Emma, 7 years old. B.J. was her first calf.

© 2012 by Rottlady

I have some sad news today, B.J., the newest baby giraffe born Nov. 23, 2012 at Dickerson Park Zoo passed this week. He had been having difficulties since birth feeding. Despite the fact that his last few days he had perked up and seemed to be feeling a little better Tuesday morning he collapsed and could not be revived.

From the zoo website:

Zookeepers have diligently worked with B.J. to encourage him to nurse or drink from a bottle. This is the first calf for mother Emma, and initially she was anxious when the calf attempted to nurse. However, even though she has calmed down, the calf has not consistently nursed well.

To provide nutrition for the calf, zookeepers are tube-feeding him twice daily and offering grain and hay. However, the calf's weight fluctuates from day to day, and overall he is not gaining weight. Because the calf has not reliably nursed from his mother he has not built up a good immune system from the milk and therefore has weak immunity. He was receiving antibiotics as a precaution.

Although Dickerson Park Zoo has seen considerable successes with breeding giraffes, over time the mortality rate for calves is approximately 25 percent.

I got to see him when he was only 1 week old and although he was in the back of the enclosure I was able to get some pictures of him. I thought I would share them with you.

This is B.J. and his mother.