NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A baby giraffe born at the Nashville Zoo died shortly after its birth on Saturday.
The calf's birth was highly anticipated and watch by people around the world through an online livestream.
The zoo shared that a medical team successfully helped mother giraffe Nasha through the delivery process, which involved some complications. An initial exam showed the calf to be "thriving."
The team moved the newborn to be with its mother and later noticed the calf to be in distress. They say Nasha may have accidentally injured the newborn, which died.
Initial testing showed the calf had neck trauma. The zoo will look into any possible underlying causes.
"We are devastated over the loss of Nasha's calf," Nashville Zoo President and CEO Rick Schwartz said. "Our staff has worked tirelessly to make sure this calf was given the best possible care. We moved from fear of a stillborn to joy of revival to anguish."
Nashville Zoo says Nasha is doing well. Staffers will provide her with "an abundance of comfort and care."
We are heartbroken to announce that Nasha's calf died shortly after our birth announcement earlier today after the calf was accidentally stepped on by her mother. Thank you all for your support over the past few weeks and during this tough time. 💛
— Nashville Zoo (@NashvilleZoo) January 17, 2021
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