Surprise! Baby Giraffe born at Como Zoo
After shaky start, young giraffe on promising road to recovery thanks to tremendous care at the U of M
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
| WHAT: |
In the wee hours of Tuesday, May 5, a male baby giraffe weighing in at 152 pounds was born at Como Park Zoo. Zookeepers and veterinarians had expected the giraffe to be born sometime in July, but with a 15-month gestation period for giraffes, it’s not always easy to get a precise birth date. The young male giraffe did have some major health complications, but thanks to the outstanding care of the staff at Como Zoo and veterinarians at the University Of Minnesota College Of Veterinary Medicine, the giraffe is now standing tall at 5 feet 9 inches and is making tremendous progress in his recovery. After a little rest back home at Como Zoo and some TLC from his mother, Clover, he should be out on display to the public next week. |
| WHEN: |
Today, May 13, 2009, 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. |
| WHERE: |
The U of M Large Animal Hospital located at 1352 Boyd Avenue on the St. Paul campus. For directions and map, go to www.cvm.umn.edu/vmc/forclients/largeanimalmap/index.htm. |
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory background
For over 100 years, Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota, has charmed, educated, and entertained millions of children and adults while fostering an appreciation of the natural world. The Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is open 365 days; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. from April 1-October 1 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. from October 2-March 31. Admission to both the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is always free and a voluntary donation is appreciated.
University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine
The College of Veterinary Medicine improves the health and well-being of animals and people high-quality veterinary training, conducting leading-edge research, and delivering innovative veterinary services. The Veterinary Medical Center Large Animal Hospital treats about 3,000 cows, pigs, alpacas, llamas, and zoo animals each year, and has a new Equine Center to provide care for horses.
For more information about Como Zoo, visit www.comozooconservatory.org.
For more information about the College of Veterinary Medicine, visit http://www.cvm.umn.edu/VMC/
Contact:
Matt Reinartz – Como Park Zoo 651-487-8294
Brian Graves – University of Minnesota 612-624-6228
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