Zoo staff step in after lesser kudu calf's mom shows little interest in care

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Cincinnati Zoo staff are helping to care for a lesser kudu calf after her birth on Jan. 15.

“We didn’t see nursing or much interest from first-time mom Sabi, so we stepped in and fed the calf,” said Eric Byrd, zoological manager at the Cincinnati Zoo. “We were also able to give the baby plasma that had been collected from her mom and saved when she had a hoof procedure. This will provide passive transfer of antibodies.”

The zoo says the goal is to keep the baby with her mom and the herd, but a temporary nursery has been set up in the barn so the Zoo’s neonate staff can provide supportive care.

“She’s receiving six bottle feedings a day right now and spending days with her dam and the other female, Sabi’s mom Fjorda,” said Byrd. “The care team gets daily weights, socializes with her, and makes sure that she stays safe with the adults.”

The herd will remain behind the scenes during the cold months. The zoo will post updates on mom and baby on its social media.