The San Diego Zoo has proudly introduced its latest addition, a rare okapi calf. This marks a noteworthy occasion as it’s the first okapi calf born at the zoo since 2021, and notably, the calf was delivered outdoors in the zoo’s designated okapi habitat.
The zoo shared the exciting news of the birth via an Instagram post on September 9, detailing how the calf, born on September 2, is the product of mom Subira and first-time dad Kapu. Zoo visitors can see the calf exploring its new environment in the Lost Forest area of the zoo.
A press release from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance elaborated on the significance of the outdoor birth, stating that the current warm season allowed for this unprecedented occurrence. Typically, okapi calves, which do not regulate their body temperature well, are born indoors during cooler months and remain there for several months before being introduced to the public.
This new addition comes at a crucial time for okapis, which are classified as endangered. Native to the Ituri Rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, they are nicknamed “forest giraffes” and are exclusive to this region. Conservationists are increasingly concerned about their dwindling population due to poaching and habitat destruction.
Mature okapis typically reach up to 8 feet in length and stand about 5 feet tall, weighing between 440 and 660 pounds. They are easily identified by their thick, oily fur which repels rainwater, an adaptation suitable for their rainforest habitat.
The birth of the calf is a hopeful sign for the species, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable animals and their natural environments. Through public viewing and raising awareness, the San Diego Zoo aims to contribute to a positive outlook for the okapi’s future, motivating further conservation action.