Seneca Park Zoo Giraffe Diagnosed with Cancer Gives Birth to Calf

A six-year-old Masai giraffe from the Seneca Park Zoo, who was diagnosed with cancer over the summer, has given birth to a cub.

In a press release posted on the zoo’s website and Facebook page, officials revealed that Kipenzi gave birth on Tuesday. The gender of the offspring is currently unknown.

“The calf appears to be nursing well, walking normally and is energetic. We will do a full assessment of the ‘new calf’ once mom and calf have had time to bond,” Dr. Chris McKinney, the zoo’s veterinarian, said in a statement.

The vet added: “It’s important to remember that these first weeks are a delicate period for the calf so we will be keeping a close eye on the baby and mum.”

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In November, the New York Zoo announced that Kipenzi was pregnant, and Dr. McKinney revealed that the giraffe had undergone ultrasounds and been trained in medical procedures.

The Seneca Park Zoo confirmed Tuesday that the Animals of the Savanna building will be closed “for the next several days so that Kipenzi and her cub can continue to bond.” In addition, he has another Masai giraffe, named Iggy, who is pregnant and waiting to give birth.

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“As always, the animal care team and zoo staff are providing comprehensive care for the new cub.” Zoo director Steve Lacy said, according to the statement. “We can tell the gender of the new calf when we can get a closer look at the baby.”

News of the calf Kipenza comes after she was diagnosed with cancer over the summer after a growth was discovered on her jaw, according to a press release in August. She then underwent a biopsy, which came back positive for cancer.

“Guests of the Animals of the Savanna habitat are now noticing a change in the shape of Kipenzi’s facial structure,” Lacy said in a statement in November.

The giraffe then received a treatment that “stimulates the giraffe’s immune system to attack the tumor,” according to Dr. McKinney. The zoo revealed that this was the first time the treatment had been used on a giraffe.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education