A female Reticulated giraffe calf born on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has been named Hope.
The name was inspired by long-time supporter Peg Pease, who has been volunteering at the Zoo as a docent since 1995. On Tuesday mornings, Pease can be found in the Syd and Betty Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms educating visitors about the Zoo’s herd. “My all-time favorite and most important task,” she said.
Pease had been calling the calf “Hope.” Once the Zoo’s Giraffe Care team found out, they adopted the name. “All of us have been ‘hoping’ this little girl survives, and our Keepers and Veterinary Care staff are doing great work to make that happen,” Pease said. “As we provide ‘hope’ for this calf, she is also providing ‘hope’ for us and all of her wild counterparts.”
Since birth, Hope has been receiving around-the-clock care from Animal Care and Veterinary teams. Her mother, eight-year-old Zola, did not show the expected level of maternal care, despite a normal delivery. Hope is Zola’s first calf.
While she is getting stronger every day, Hope’s condition remains guarded. At this time, she will remain in the treatment stall while she receives the necessary care provided by our Animal Care and Veterinary teams.
