Baby Giraffe Born On Betty White's Birthday DIES In Just 48 Hours

A baby giraffe born on Betty White's 100th birthday died after just 48 hours from an unknown condition causing it to quickly "deteriorate."

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park reported that its 2-day-old Masai giraffe calf was euthanized after having major issues after its birth. The unnamed calf was born on January 17, to mother Zindzhi, but was immediately transferred to the Safari Parks' Harter Veterinary Medical center for round-the-clock care, after zookeepers noticed his health begin to deteriorate.

The animal's birth received huge fanfare after being born on what would have been Betty White's 100th birthday. As you know, the 'Golden Girls' star was a HUGE animal lover and worked tirelessly to help charitable causes to help our furry friends.

According to the zoo, the baby calf was having difficulty standing and nursing with its mother. "Unfortunately, despite all efforts, his condition continued to worsen, and the team made the compassionate decision to euthanize the calf," they said in a statement. Officials didn't release any other details, pertaining to the possible underlying conditions that could have caused the situation.

Unfortunately, the zoo is closely monitoring the baby's mother and other giraffes in the herd, in case of any behavior changes following the calf's passing.

The San Diego Zoo posted a tribute on Twitter for Betty White, after the baby was born. "We could not think of a more fitting way to remember (White's) dedication to conservation than watching this newborn giraffe take their first steps," they wrote. Adding, "a brand new wobbly wonder."

Many of the legendary actresses fans took part in the #bettywhitechallenge, encouraging people to donate money in White's name to animal shelters and related charities.

As we reported, White's team released a heartbreaking video of the actress addressing her fans just 11 days before she died. The emotional video was uploaded on Betty's Facebook page and featured her talking from her backyard in Los Angeles.

"I just want to thank you all for your love and support over the years," Betty begins, talking through a raspy voice -- but overall looking outstanding! She continued, "Thank you so much, and stick around." Obviously, the actress planned on being around for her 100th birthday, but fans and animal lovers are now mourning the death of both Betty and the giraffe.

"Good morning! As we continue to see numbers coming in from all over the world — it’s just absolutely amazing how much money all of you raised for the animals through #thebettywhitechallenge," Betty's team captioned the video.

Adding, "She could never have imagined such an outpouring of love and would have been so grateful to everyone. When we recorded her special message to fans who attended the movie, we also recorded one that we had planned to put on social media on her birthday. She was using the occasion of her 100th birthday to celebrate YOU – her fans. She knew how lucky she was; she felt the love, and she never took it for granted. I think it’s appropriate to post today as a thank you from Betty and the animals.”

R.I.P.