In an announcement on Saturday, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced the sad news that Masai giraffe Cami passed away four days after an emergency Cesarean section.
Cami, who was monitored around the clock by the Zoo’s animal care experts, collapsed at approximately 1:00 AM and was unable to rise. The veterinary team immobilized her to assess her condition and provide fluids, but she passed a short time later. Initial blood work suggested acute kidney failure, but a full necropsy will be conducted with pathology results expected in approximately six weeks.
Cesarean sections in giraffes are extremely rare and typically conducted as a last resort during a difficult delivery due to the high risks involved in putting giraffes under anesthesia and successful recovery.
There are only three documented reports of a giraffe dam surviving a Cesarean section, none of which occurred in North America.
