The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium mourn a giraffe.(Photo: Grahm S. Jones)

COLUMBUS – A few weeks ago, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated the arrival of baby giraffe, Ubumwe. On Saturday, the zoo announced that the Masai giraffe calf was dead. She was 19 days old.

The announcement was made Saturday by the zoo via social media.

The zoo has posted: "At the moment, the cause is unknown, and we will not have any more information until an autopsy, an autopsy of animals, be performed and that a pathology report be received in several weeks. "

The team of animal health professionals has been monitoring Ubumwe and his mother, Zuri, 24 hours a day since birth. Although she was energetic and neat when needed, her care team noted on November 16 that Ubumwe's behavior and appearance had begun to change.

Zoo veterinarians found that Obumwe was slightly constipated and was given fluids and painkillers to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. After the examination, Ubumwe took over the breastfeeding of Zuri.

In the early evening, Ubumwe's health care providers noticed that she still seemed to be suffering from gastrointestinal discomfort. A follow-up examination including ultrasound and additional fluids was then performed.

"Her condition was critical, the ultrasound revealed an abnormality of the intestine, and she was then anesthetized and taken to the zoo's animal health center for a CT scan," the zoo said in a statement.

Computed tomography showed no obstruction or any other reason for surgery. She continued to receive intensive care from zoo animal care professionals and stayed in another hidden area, where she appeared stable and comfortable overnight.

Early Saturday morning, her health quickly deteriorated again and she died quickly.

Ubumwe is the first giraffe calf born at the Columbus Zoo in 20 years.

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