A unexpected tragedy has struck Sydney Zoo with the sudden death of a pregnant giraffe, Nzuri, and her unborn calf due to severe complications during labor last Thursday night.
According to zoo officials, animal care staff had noticed signs of active labor in Nzuri, but as the process progressed, it became apparent that the birth was not proceeding normally.
A team of three veterinarians and two veterinary nurses was immediately called in to assist with the delivery.
However, they found that the calf was in an abnormal position, making a safe delivery impossible.
Despite their best efforts, the calf did not survive, and Nzuri’s condition severely deteriorated due to the stress and difficulty of the birth, ultimately leading to her death.
Sydney Zoo’s exotics animal care manager, Tim Bennett, described the incident as “incredibly heartbreaking” for everyone involved.
“Our animal care team did everything possible to try and save both the calf and the mother Nzuri,” he said. “Decisions like this are never made lightly. The animal’s welfare is always our primary concern.”
Members of the public who wish to share their condolences or offer support to the zoo can contact them directly through their official website or social media channels.