Zoo's Ailing Giraffe Calf Faces Long Odds

Despite multiple plasma donations from other zoos and assistance from a local pediatric hospital, the outlook for the Maryland Zoo's giraffe calf has turned dim.

A zoo spokeswoman said in a statement Friday afternoon Julius didn't feed well overnight. Early Friday morning, his health worsened. She credited quick action by veterinary and animal care teams for giving Julius "the only slim chance" of making it through the day he may get.

Julius is now getting a life-supporting solution called Total Parenteral Nutrition through a central IV line, thanks to a donation of solutions from Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital.

"The goal is for Julius to remain stable enough through this intervention for the giraffe care team to be able to offer him the nutrients he so desperately needs in the pan from which he’s previously been drinking," the spokeswoman said.

Julius has struggled to nurse from his mother and gain weight since he was born on June 15.