“While exact birth dates are difficult to predict, we are expecting a cub this winter,” said Seneca Park Zoo veterinarian Dr. Chris McKinney.
6-year-old Masai giraffe at Seneca Park Zoo is pregnant; discovery several months after the animal was diagnosed with cancer.
The New York Zoo revealed the news while sharing an update on Kipenzi’s condition on Friday. “Working closely with Kipenzi to train her for medical procedures, we were able to do an ultrasound because we had some evidence that she might be pregnant. We can also now confirm and share that Kipenzi is pregnant,” Dr. Chris McKinney, zoo veterinarian, it is stated in the press release.
“Although the exact dates are difficult to predict, we expect a calf this winter,” he added. “Having said that, giving birth to a giraffe is always high risk, and with Kipenzi’s health, we are extremely cautious in predicting the outcome.”
A deer with a web entangled in its antlers is causing concern in a Pennsylvania town
The zoo is especially careful about Kipenzi’s pregnancy and care because the giraffe was diagnosed with cancer this summer. In August, the Seneca Park Zoo announced that the animal had a growth of squamous cell carcinoma on its jaw.
“Guests at Animals of the Savanna are now noticing a change in the shape of Kipenzi’s facial structure,” Steve Lacy, the zoo’s superintendent, said in a statement about the slow-growing tumor.
Kipenzi is currently receiving topical therapy for the tumor growth. McKinney said the treatment “stimulates the giraffe’s immune system to attack the tumor.” This is the first time this treatment has been used on a giraffe, according to the zoo, but the treatment has been effective in other species.
Despite the location of the tumor, McKinney said Kipenzi is “eating well, acting normal and allowing animal care teams to treat the area.”
Kipenzi turned six in April and arrived at the zoo in August 2018. The zoo also has two additional Masai giraffes — Iggy and Olmsted. Iggy is also pregnant and is currently due.
Flamingos stop at lake ‘so poisonous it can burn human skin’ in search of love (Exclusive)
According to a previous zoo news release, zoo staff had been monitoring Kipenzi for a growth on her jaw since she was observed in late spring 2023. She underwent a biopsy in August, which came back positive for cancer.
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“Unfortunately, these biopsy results are not what we had hoped for, but I know the zoo’s dedicated and compassionate animal care team will continue to do everything they can to ensure she is comfortable and does not suffer,” said Adam Bello, representative of the Monroe County Executive, in a previous statement.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education