‘Incredibly heartbreaking’: Sydney Zoo giraffe and unborn calf die suddenly

A Sydney Zoo giraffe and its unborn calf have died unexpectedly in an incident that has left staff and visitors ‘incredibly heartbroken’.

A Sydney Zoo giraffe and its calf have died following complications during labour.

Late last Thursday night, zoo staff noticed signs of active labour in female giraffe Nzuri.

In a statement, staff said as Nzuri’s labour progressed “it became apparent that the birth was not proceeding normally”.

“A dedicated team of three veterinarians and two veterinary nurses from several institutions were immediately mobilised to intervene and assist with the delivery,” the statement read.

Staff discovered the calf’s head and neck were poorly positioned, and despite the team’s best efforts it became evident that the calf had died.

Not long after, due to the stress and difficulty of the birth, Nzuri’s condition “severely deteriorated”.

Faced with no viable options to save her, staff made “the very difficult decision to humanely euthanise Nzuri to prevent her from further suffering”.

Sydney Zoo said Nzuri’s death had deeply affected staff who cared for her.

“This is an incredibly heartbreaking outcome for all involved,” exotic animals care manager Tim Bennett said.

“Our animal care team did everything possible to try and save both the calf and the mother, Nzuri.

Sydney Zoo has announced the death of one their beloved female giraffes, Nzuri, and her unborn calf, following severe complications during labour. Picture: Supplied

“Decisions like this are never made lightly. The animal’s welfare is always our primary concern.”

Giraffe births are notoriously problematic due to the animal’s trademark long limbs and neck, with a roughly six-foot drop to the ground immedietly following birth.

Giraffes typically socialise in small groups or pairs of the same sex.

Nzuri’s companion was a similarly aged giraffe named Eyelean.

When Nzuri arrived from Canberra’s National Zoo and Aquarium in November last year, the two quickly formed a strong bond.

“When Nzuri spotted Eyelean, the bond was instant,” said Sydney Zoo zookeeper Frankie Douglass.

“Giraffes communicate through sniffing each other and rubbing noses, which is exactly what we witnessed within moments of the giraffes meeting each other.

“Nzuri and Eyelean are very similar in nature, both gentle yet outgoing.”

Nzuri celebrated her sixth birthday just one month ago with keepers describing her as a “shy” and “lovely” giraffe.

Giraffes in the wild typically live about 25 years.

Originally published as ‘Incredibly heartbreaking’: Sydney Zoo giraffe and unborn calf die suddenly