Despite her mother Malaika’s interest, Safiri was not nursing adequately. After a rapid decline on her second day of life, the team made the difficult decision to separate her from her mother for intensive care. Dr. Cehrs determined that Safiri needed to be tube-fed colostrum and milk until she could transition to bottle feeding.

In a collaborative effort with veterinarians from the Oakland Zoo, Safiri was sedated to place an IV catheter. During this procedure, her condition became critical. Once stabilized, she received multiple plasma transfusions, with giraffe plasma graciously provided by the Oakland Zoo.

Dr. Cehrs placed a semi-permanent port in Safiri’s neck to facilitate the administration of fluids, antibiotics, and plasma. The team monitored her condition around the clock, performing frequent diagnostic tests including blood cultures, glucose tests every two hours, and full blood panels.

For the first three days, Safiri received 24-hour ICU care. Dr. Cehrs stayed overnight for several nights, while Nikki Smith worked 16-hour shifts to ensure constant monitoring. Safiri’s condition was ‘touch and go,’ and the team was unsure if she would survive.

Gradually, Safiri began to show signs of improvement. Her body temperature stabilized, glucose levels held steady, and she gained strength. Nikki Smith worked tirelessly to transition Safiri to bottle feeding, a process that involved hours of patience and dedication. After the initial acceptance of the bottle, Erika Defer was integrated into the process by assisting in continuing to solidify her bottle transition and ensure she was receiving adequate nutrition. Their efforts were supported by protocols and advice generously shared by Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and San Diego Zoo, both experienced in hand-rearing giraffe calves.

Two weeks after her birth, Safiri’s condition significantly improved, though she still requires extensive care. The dedicated giraffe team continues to provide round-the-clock attention, including bottle feedings from Nikki and Erika every four hours from early morning to late evening. Both care for Safiri seven days a week and this long endeavor has invigorated their enthusiasm for undertaking these tasks. Safiri is weighed weekly to ensure she receives the appropriate amount of milk for her body weight. Safiri will continue to receive bottles until about nine months of age.

Due to her compromised immune system, Safiri completed a 10-day antibiotic course and continues to be closely monitored, though daily blood draws have ceased. At this point, she is receiving more husbandry care and less medical intervention.

Safiri is now being slowly introduced to members of her tower, including her mother. We are thankful that she is integrating well with her herd, so she has the opportunity to learn to express natural giraffe behaviors.

Video from the Press Democrat, filmed by John Burgess

This rescue highlights Safari West’s commitment to conservation and the vital role of expert care in wildlife preservation. As Safiri continues to grow stronger each day, she serves as a powerful symbol of hope and a reminder of the critical work done by facilities like Safari West in protecting endangered species.

Safari West extends its deepest gratitude to the veterinarians at the Oakland Zoo, the giraffe blood donors at the Oakland Zoo, and the teams at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and San Diego Zoo for their invaluable assistance and guidance throughout this challenging journey. We also want to thank our incredible Safari West staff, whose tireless dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment made Safiri’s recovery possible.