Columbus Zoo provides giraffe plasma to assist with calf medical care

The Maryland Zoo partnered with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to provide additional support to the male giraffe calf born at The Maryland Zoo.

“The first 48 hours after birth is the critical time for giraffe calves to get the antibodies from mother’s milk, or in our case, the colostrum supplement. While markers in the blood were trending in the right direction, the calf still was not receiving enough of these infection-fighting antibodies from the supplemental feedings,” stated Erin Cantwell, mammal collection and conservation manager.

The only option after the 48-hour window was a plasma transfusion from the blood an adult giraffe. The Maryland Zoo decided to give the giraffe another boost to his immune system with the transfusion. The plasma was donated by the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

“Maryland Zoo hospital keeper Kaitie Kessler drove to Morgantown, West Virginia, Friday night to meet Columbus Zoo Assistant Curator Shannon Morarity and Veterinarian Dr. Priya Bapodra-Villaverde."

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