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An abandoned baby giraffe who found solace in a canine pal has sadly now died – although did so with his best friend by his side.
Our hearts are breaking.
Jazz the giraffe was found by the Rhino Orphanage in the Limpopo Province of South Africa when he was just a few days old.
He’d sadly been abandoned by his mother, which now seems likely is because she instinctively knew he was unwell internally and wouldn’t make it.
Although very unwell when he was first brought in, whilst under the care of the orphanage the little fella started to perk up at first, especially under the watchful eye of Hunter, the orphanage’s dog and chief anti-poaching/security guard who took a shine to him.
The orphanage said on Facebook of the bond: “Hunter has fallen head over heels for the little giraffe and has claimed ownership since Jazz’s arrival.”
“He stays in the room all day with Jazz and the carers and doesn’t allow his brother Duke close. So concerned was Hunter about Jazz when he was in a coma that he did not want to eat.”
Their bond over the weeks became stronger and stronger, but last Friday, Hunter realised something wasn’t right.
The baby giraffe began to look unwell and seemed suddenly very unstable on his legs. Sadly, there was nothing the orphanage’s veterinary team could do and Jazz collapsed due to a brain haemorrhage and passed away.
The team said on Facebook: “Our Team is heartbroken as we announce that our beautiful, brave boy, Jazz the giraffe, passed away.
“The last 2 days before we lost him, Jazz started looking unstable on his legs and very dull, almost like he wasn’t registering everything.
“He suddenly collapsed and we could see blood starting to pool back into his eyes. Jazzie’s heart rate dropped and he showed neurological systems.
“His friend Hunter knew something was wrong as he suddenly stayed by the giraffe’s side again not going outside.
“Jazz took his last breath with Hunter and all his human mommies by his side.”
We’re devastated for Hunter, but the orphanage explained that whilst he sat in front of Jazz’s empty room for a while, he’s now taking comfort from his carers and is doing just fine.
RIP Jazz.
