Tag Archives: San Diego Zoo

Baby giraffe born with leg disorder now walks thanks to braces

Meet Msituni who was born February 1 at the San Diego Zoo.  Msituni was born with a condition called carpal hypertension, causing the giraffe’s front legs to bend improperly. It was nearly impossible for her to stand and walk.

The Zoo consulted with Ara Mirzaian, an orthotist who has fitted braces for Paralympians and children with scoliosis. The doctor had never fitted an animal for such an apparatus, let alone a newborn giraffe.

The doctor and his team were able to create custom braces for the giraffe and now she’s up and walking! Watch the video below and read all the details of her story here.

DCG