17-day-old giraffe calf dies in Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam

Visakhapatnam: A giraffe calf died on Wednesday at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) at 3:15 pm. The female calf was born to May (female) and Beacon (male) giraffes on June 24.

IGZP performed the maiden captive breeding of giraffe and the calf was hand-reared ever since its birth. According to the zoo officials, the calf was given colostrum, followed by lactogen formula-one. "The calf, which completed 17 days, increased the frequency of defecation since Tuesday. After consulting veterinary doctors and a paediatrician to provide improved treatment to the calf, lactose intolerance test was also taken," said Yasoda Bai R, Zoo Curator.

The test, however, came positive which read one-plus for lactose intolerance. Explaining the reason for the death of calf, the zoo officials said since May could not feed the calf and was hand-reared, there was a higher possibility of it having developed a weak immune system.

Further, the zoo officials stated the post-mortem report showed that the calf was born preterm. With the symptoms of lactose intolerance setting in, they opined it would have led to further complication, leading to its failure in survival.