Rhino Orphanage welcomes abandoned giraffe calf [photos]
The Rhino Orphanage recently welcomed a new little one; Jazz, a special giraffe calf.
The orphanage, who usually looks after rhino, took to Facebook to reveal that the ‘arrival of a different kind’ ended up with them by accident:
They were apparently contacted by a landowner in their area to assist with a giraffe calf that was left abandoned by its mother.
“Very dehydrated and weak it was evident that the little one was only about two or three days old. The owner has no idea why the mom left him behind and we are hoping that there is nothing internally wrong with the little one,” they wrote further.
Their veterinarian later placed an IV catheter and started administering TPN (intravenous food) immediately.
“The baby was very comatose for the first 18 hours but started showing signs of waking up. Further IV fluids were administered and it seems like the little boy is getting stronger. He managed to stand up a few times with the help of our carers and walked around this evening on very unsure legs”
The orphanage also stated that baby giraffes are notorious for being labor intensive and difficult to get on a bottle.
“And Jazz has proved no different. Their height (about 1.8m) also doesnt make it any easier. But we have a few tricks up our sleeves that will hopefully pay off.”
Jazz, the giraffe calf
On 19 November, the orphanage reported that Jazz had a slight rise in body temperature.
“He has been given another dose of antibiotics and we cooled him down with some wet towels as it was incredibly hot and humid weather too. His temperature came down nicely and he is still drinking well.
“We will be introducing some branches into the room to keep baby busy – giraffe calves feed on solid foods from very earlier on – but for now it presents something interesting in his environment.”
Jazz is also undergoing eye treatments due to blood pooling in the front chamber of the eye when he was comatose.
An unlikely friendship
The orphanage reports that their anti-poaching and security dog, Hunter has fallen head over heels for the little giraffe and has claimed ‘ownership’ since Jazz’s arrival.
Visit the following link to find out how you can help The Rhino Orphanage.
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