Franklin Park Zoo's sick baby giraffe improving

ROSLINDALE, — A sick baby giraffe that was born at the Franklin Park Zoo is improving after treatment at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University.

The giraffe is now back at Franklin Park Zoo with a plan for recovery.

The calf born July 24 and had difficulty standing and was not able to nurse from her mother, Jana. The zoo decided to take the baby to the Hospital for Large Animals at Cummings Veterinary Medical Center for specialized care.

“Even though she continues to require supportive veterinary care for a touch of pneumonia and time to improve her physical coordination, we are optimistic for a good prognosis," said Dr. Eric Baitchman, Director of Animal Health and Conservation Medicine at Zoo New England.

The calf will require around the clock attention, along with bottle feeding for the next six to eight months.

Zoo officials hope to reunite the baby and its mother soon.

Zoo New England is inviting the public to help select a name for this special "little" calf. To vote, visit http://ow.ly/ZpvN302VKaC.

Cox Media Group