Current:Home > Contact-usNursing baby giraffe dies after being spooked; zoo brings in grief counselors for staff-InfoLens
Nursing baby giraffe dies after being spooked; zoo brings in grief counselors for staff
View Date:2024-12-23 14:17:31
A 6-month-old giraffe died from injuries it sustained after being "unexpectedly startled by another giraffe" while it was nursing, the North Carolina Zoo announced Thursday.
"Fenn was nursing when he became unexpectedly startled by another giraffe," the zoo said in a statement. "He bolted, colliding with a nearby gate and falling to the ground."
According to the zoo, Fenn suffered head and neck injuries from the collision and fall, and "despite receiving rapid medical intervention," died Wednesday night.
The zoo said it has brought in grief counselors to help staffers who have been emotionally affected by Fenn's death.
"Staff members, particularly the caretakers who formed a special bond with him since his birth, ask for respect and privacy during their time of grief," the zoo said.
Fenn, described as "energetic and vibrant," was born May 20 weighing 145 lbs with a height of 6 feet, the North Carolina Zoo said. He was his 14-year-old mother Leia's first calf, the zoo said. Fenn's name was chosen via an online poll in which more than 100,000 votes were cast, according to the zoo.
Leia's birth was "textbook," the zoo wrote at the time.
"She progressed through each stage smoothly," the zoo said in a Facebook post that included video of the delivery. "The calf emerged front feet first, followed by the nose and head. The shoulders followed and soon after made its dramatic fall to the ground."
According to the zoo, the initial fall when giraffes are born helps to snap the umbilical cord and "stimulates the calf to take its first breaths."
Jordan FreimanJordan Freiman is an editor and writer for CBSNews.com. He covers breaking news, trending stories, sports and crime. Jordan has previously worked at Spin and Death and Taxes.
veryGood! (4489)
Related
- CFP bracket prediction: SEC adds a fifth team to field while a Big Ten unbeaten falls out
- Hawaii's 2021 Red Hill jet fuel leak sickened thousands — but it wasn't the first: The system has failed us
- Kim Kardashian's New Chin-Grazing Bob Is Her Shortest Haircut to Date
- Not all Kentucky Derby winners were great: Looking back at 12 forgettable winners
- Study finds Wisconsin voters approved a record number of school referenda
- These 17 Mandalorian Gifts Are Out of This Galaxy
- Zendaya teases Met Gala 2024 look: How her past ensembles made her a fashion darling
- Rachel McAdams, Jeremy Strong and More Score Tony Awards 2024 Nominations: See the Complete List
- UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight card, odds, how to watch, date
- Dear E!, How Do I Mature My Style? Here Are the Best Ways To Transform Your Closet & New Adult-Like Fits
Ranking
- Repair Hair Damage In Just 90 Seconds With This Hack from WNBA Star Kamilla Cardoso
- The body of a Mississippi man will remain in state hands as police investigate his death, judge says
- Former MVP Mike Trout needs surgery on torn meniscus. The Angels hope he can return this season
- What marijuana reclassification means for the United States
- Rachael Ray Details Getting Bashed Over Decision to Not Have Kids
- Zendaya teases Met Gala 2024 look: How her past ensembles made her a fashion darling
- Dear E!, How Do I Mature My Style? Here Are the Best Ways To Transform Your Closet & New Adult-Like Fits
- Perspective: What you're actually paying for these free digital platforms
Recommendation
-
Jason Kelce Jokes He Got “Mixed Reviews” From Kylie Kelce Over NSFW Commentary
-
2-year-old boy killed while playing in bounce house swept up by strong winds in Arizona
-
ABC News Meteorologist Rob Marciano Exits Network After 10 Years
-
Feds testing ground beef sold where dairy cows were stricken by bird flu
-
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul stirs debate: Is this a legitimate fight?
-
The Georgia Supreme Court has thrown out an indictment charging an ex-police chief with misconduct
-
Delaware judge refuses to fast-track certain claims in post-merger lawsuit against Trump Media
-
The 4 officers killed in North Carolina were tough but kind and loved their jobs, friends say