Zoo shares update on 10-day old giraffe calf whose mom didn't take to her

OMAHA, Neb. (KPTM) — She’s “hoovin’” in the right direction.

That's what Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium in Omaha, Neb. shared on its Facebook page when talking about the 10-day-old giraffe calf.

The female calf — yet to be named — was born on March 19 to first-time mother Zola, weighing in at 108 pounds and measuring 5 feet 7 inches tall.

"She’s “hoovin’” in the right direction, you guys!" the zoo said on Facebook.

"Our giraffe calf is now taking a bottle from her caretakers. Calves, instinctually, look to suckle under the shadow of their mother’s belly. This particular frog stuffy helps us create this effect during our feedings, which occur four to five times a day with about four hours in between each.

"Our nutrition and veterinary teams work together every day to ensure her formula is prepped and ready to go!

"Your kind thoughts and encouragement have really pulled our staff through on this journey. We mean it when we say, we truly couldn’t do this without you and your support. And we couldn’t agree more: this little lady deserves a name, which we plan to share with you very soon.

"Stay tuned!"

The zoo says the calf is now taking a feeding bottle from her caretakers.

The zoo shared this video of the calf enjoying one of those bottles:

The zoo said Zola did not take to the calf well despite a normal delivery, but the Animal Care Team prepares for such situations.

Our team spends months preparing for animal births and for as many different outcomes as imaginable,” said Dr. Taylor Yaw, Director of Animal Health for Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. “In this case, as we monitored Mom and calf after the birth, we were able to make the decision to intervene. We provided nutrition and medical care to the calf, which included a plasma transfusion from father Jawara’s previously banked plasma. Our team is working to transition the calf to a bottle. The plasma is intended to boost the calf’s immune system."