Tufts Vet School Cares for Baby Giraffe

School’s Hospitals Treat Nearly 30,000 Animals Each Year

Some cow’s milk and expert care from faculty clinicians at Tufts University’s veterinary school have helped save Molly, a 3-day-old reticulated giraffe.

Molly, born at the Southwick Zoo in Mendon, was brought to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in nearby Grafton after her mother failed to produce milk containing vital nutrients and anti-bodies. So Molly received the colostrum, the so-called “first milk” that prepares newborns for growth, proper organ function, and disease immunity, from a cow, a common substitute for large animals, according to information released by the school.

Tufts vets are happy to report that Molly is in stable condition, and at 5 feet tall, weighs in at 86 pounds. The giraffe is receiving neonatal care at Cummings School’s Hospital for Large Animals.

“Today, the giraffe is doing quite well. Our students report that she’s been nursing well, and although she still has a potential for infection, she’s improved over the past day tremendously,” said Dr. Daniela Bedenice, an assistant professor of Clinical Sciences at the school and the camelid expert in charge of the giraffe’s care.

Dr. Bedenice also said Molly’s mother, Mauzy, is doing just fine.

According to the school, reticulated giraffes are native to Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia and are known for the spider web-like pattern on their coats. Giraffes are the tallest of all living land-based species.

The Southwick Zoo will open for the season on April 11.

– InsideMedford.com