Julius the baby giraffe in dire condition at Maryland Zoo

BALTIMORE - Julius the baby giraffe has taken a turn for the worse and he is now in dire condition, according to the Maryland Zoo.

Zoo officials said Julius, who was born on June 15, did not feed well overnight and early Friday morning his health suddenly worsened.

Julius may not make it through the day and his outlook is dim, veterinarians said.

The baby giraffe had received a second plasma transfusion earlier in the week with hopes that it would help his condition.

Veterinary teams had been working around-the-clock to bottle feed and care for Julius. Tests had indicated he was lacking essential antibodies to protect him from disease.