The students at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University had the chance to see the birth of rare twin foals in May of 2014. They were named Mocha and Cappuccino. According to Dr. John Schlipf, he has been doing this for 30 years, but this is only the second set of live twins he has ever seen in his life.
The probability of twin foals being born alive is one in 10,000, and there is a one in 15,000 chance of them surviving the first two weeks, partly because the mother usually can’t provide for both of them. Mocha and Cappuccino were unable to nurse adequately from their mom, so the vet and staff at OSU had to provide them with the necessary support to stay alive.
The fortunate foals had enthusiastic and loving students to care for them, and they did very well in their first two weeks of life. Students cared for the foals 24/7. Mocha, the smaller of the two, was treated for an angular limb deformity. Dr. Trina Westerman says he will always be the smaller horse, but with bandaging, he can have normal limbs and walk normally.
The other foal is just fine and both are spunky and curious. They are already galloping around and exploring their surroundings. They hope to be able to send them back to their owners in two weeks so they can grow up and continue to be the miracle that they are.
Watch these beautiful foals below! Don’t forget to share what you thought about it in the comments section!
Share this adorable video with your friends and family on Facebook because it will give them a great big smile… or two… or three! It will make them happy and you, too!
