7 because we know not only how important it is for him to receive those nutrients, but also how important mother-calf bonding is,” Meister says. “Though Zara was a dedicated and protective mom throughout this process, she is a first-time mom, and we didn’t know if she knew what she was doing — or if Juhudi knew what he was doing. This was a huge learning process for both of them.” The life sciences team consulted experts from Associations of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited organizations around the country to explore ways to help Juhudi make it through this vital early stage of his life. To boost his immune system, the veterinary staff tube-fed bovine colostrum. They also gave a transfusion of plasma containing high concentrations of the proteins that help fight infection. The team separated the mother and calf for short periods to weigh Juhudi, provide this care and draw blood to monitor the success of these treatments and his overall health. The veterinary team also gave Zara pain medication to make nursing more comfortable. Very quickly, the care team noticed a change in both calf and mom. Juhudi became stronger each day and became more persistent in his nursing efforts. Zara made herself available for nursing and got into the proper nursing position for her calf when he approached. Before long, Juhudi began gaining weight and hitting important developmental milestones. “We were on pins and needles waiting to see if the treatments would work,” Ramusivich says. “It was a lot on everyone involved, but it was worth it to see where Juhudi is now.” It is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of our animal care and veterinary teams that this story has such a happy ending. To recognize the team’s hard work, the calf was named Juhudi, meaning effort, hard work and enthusiasm in Swahili. The name was chosen by longtime Detroit Zoo supporters Cynthia and Edsel Ford “to honor the enormous effort on the part of the staff to bring this dear fellow along.” Today, Juhudi is a healthy and curious young giraffe. He spent the first few months of his life with his mom in a separate indoor and outdoor area of the giraffe habitat, but he is now beginning to explore the big yard and meet fellow giraffes Kivuli, Mpenzi and Jabari. “He’s super strong,” Meister says. “He stole our hearts right from the beginning. You always root for the little engine that could, and we can’t wait to see how he grows up.” Want to support Juhudi’s ongoing care? Donate to help young ones like him grow up strong by visiting dzoo.org/yearend2023 or scan the QR code below. It is a testament to the dedication, expertise and hard work of our animal care and veterinary teams that this story has such a happy ending.
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