Maryland Zoo announces death of giraffe calf Julius

BALTIMORE - Julius the giraffe calf has passed away at the Maryland Zoo after a dedicated effort to save his life.

He was given two transfusions of giraffe plasma, antibiotics and IV fluids to provide nutritional support, but the baby giraffe's condition continued to decline.

"His condition took a sharp turn downward overnight, and we had to make the difficult decision to humanely euthanize him. This is certainly not the outcome were hoping for, but rest assured that we did everything we possibly could medically to prevent him from any distress," said associate veterinarian Dr. Samantha Sander.

Veterinarians and Julius' care team are hoping that a necropsy will determine what caused the giraffe's health issues and ultimate passing.

The Maryland Zoo said it was grateful for the support Julius received from all around the world that has helped the staff cope with the tragedy.