In July, staff at The Wilds had much to celebrate with the birth of a baby giraffe, but nearly two months later, they are in mourning after the calf died overnight.

According to a press release from The Wilds, the young giraffe was found dead in the pasture during the early morning hours of Sept. 10.

Since the calf’s July 10 birth, The Wilds noted that he appeared to be in good health and was seen nursing the afternoon before he died. 

Caretakers do not know the cause of the calf’s death at this time and are awaiting the results of a necropsy (autopsy for animals).

“We are all absolutely devastated by the loss of this calf — each animal in our care is important, but this little giraffe was extra special,” said The Wilds Vice President Jan Ramer. “We will continue to do all we can to provide the best possible outcomes for all of the animals in our care.”