Premature Giraffe Born via Emergency C-Section Is Getting Around-the-Clock Care at Kansas Zoo

In a remarkable display of veterinary skill and determination, a premature giraffe calf named Milani was delivered via Cesarean section at Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kansas. This unprecedented event comes after her mother, Virtue, experienced a rapid decline in health, leading the team at the wildlife park to make the difficult decision to save the calf at all costs.

The decision followed a month during which Virtue gradually lost her appetite and showed signs of deteriorating health. To assess her condition and that of the unborn calf, the staff at the park trained Virtue to voluntarily enter a specially designed chute for medical procedures. Blood tests indicated concerning levels of lactate, signalling potential organ failure and an impending risk to her unborn calf.

Despite consultations with six veterinarians and nine institutions, the prognosis for Virtue remained grim. A follow-up examination revealed that her lactate levels had spiked and that her blood displayed signs of clotting disorders, as her vital organs began shutting down. With sadness, the team realised that Virtue’s condition was irreversible; however, they determined that Milani could still be rescued.

A terminal Cesarean section was carried out with the understanding that Virtue might not survive the operation. Following sedation, Milani was successfully delivered, but Virtue was subsequently euthanised while still under anaesthesia. The outcome was both heartbreaking and remarkable, encapsulating the challenges faced by the wildlife park’s dedicated team.

LynnLee Schmidt, Chief Operating Officer of Tanganyika Wildlife Park, highlighted the emotional and physical toll such work can take on caretakers. “Most people have no idea what this work actually looks like,” Schmidt remarked, emphasising the sacrifices and struggles that her team faces daily in caring for the animals. The emotional weight of losing Virtue while simultaneously trying to save Milani has brought the staff closer together in their mission to ensure the survival of rare species.

A necropsy performed on Virtue revealed underlying health issues, including advanced heart and kidney disease and a uterine cyst, confirming that the situation was dire. Whereas most giraffe calves typically drop nearly six feet after birth, stimulating immediate breathing, the team had to manually clear Milani’s airways and provide oxygen, as she was unable to breathe on her own. The calf’s birth weight was estimated at around 100 pounds, adding to the complexity of her care.

Currently, Milani’s condition is listed as critical. This extraordinary case marks the first known instance of a premature giraffe being delivered via C-section, raising concerns about her survival given the unprecedented circumstances. “She is being asked to do things her body had not finished preparing for,” a statement from the TWP team noted, highlighting the uphill battle she faces. Each milestone Milani reaches is seen as a victory, one that had not been anticipated.

In light of the calf’s delicate situation, the care team has established a thorough monitoring regimen. They are providing plasma and a supplement known as colostrum to compensate for the antibodies Milani missed from her mother’s milk. Additionally, the team is facilitating “standing sessions” to encourage her ability to stand unassisted, which is crucial for her development and survival.

TWP Director Matt Fouts expressed pride in the team’s dedication and resilience. “Part of having and caring for animals is losing them, but it’s rare that you get the opportunity to save one at the same time,” he said. Fouts commended the collaborative effort of his staff and the experts involved, underscoring the park’s commitment to its core value of “Refuse to Lose.” This collective ethos drives the team to invest their time and expertise in giving Milani the best chance for survival.

As Milani continues to fight for her life, her story resonates as a testament to the extraordinary lengths that wildlife experts will go to protect and preserve endangered species. With hope and vigilant care, the team at Tanganyika Wildlife Park remains dedicated to ensuring that this little giraffe defies the odds and survives against all expectations.