Oklahoma City Zoo Celebrates Birth of Rare Endangered Okapi Calf

Oklahoma City Zoo Welcomes Rare Endangered Okapi Calf

The Oklahoma City Zoo is celebrating an extraordinary milestone with the birth of an endangered okapi calf, often nicknamed the “forest giraffe.” The female calf, born last Sunday, weighed a healthy 57 pounds at birth and is already thriving. Zookeepers report that she is strong, alert, and bonding beautifully with her mother behind the scenes. While the zoo has not yet revealed a name, the newborn is being hailed as a major success for global conservation.

Okapis are native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and are among the most elusive species on earth. With fewer than 25,000 remaining in the wild, their survival is threatened by mining, deforestation, and human encroachment. Each new calf born in captivity represents a vital step forward, not just for population numbers but also for public education and awareness about the species’ fragile future.

Zoo officials explained that the calf’s current behavior mirrors what would happen in the wild. For the first few weeks, okapi mothers hide their calves in seclusion to protect them from predators. Visitors may not see the newborn immediately, as she will spend most of her early days tucked away in a safe, quiet space with her mother. In time, both will gradually be given access to outdoor habitats, where guests can eventually glimpse the rare calf in person.

Okapis are often mistaken for zebra hybrids because of their striking striped hindquarters, but they are actually the only living relatives of giraffes. Their shy, solitary habits and remote rainforest environment make them incredibly difficult to study in the wild. This is why captive breeding programs are considered essential to the long-term survival of the species.

The Oklahoma City Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, which coordinates breeding efforts across accredited facilities. Every successful okapi birth helps maintain genetic diversity and provides a safety net for a species teetering on the edge of decline.

Staff described the new calf as a “symbol of hope” and expressed pride in their role within the global conservation community. Daily monitoring ensures both mother and baby are receiving the best possible care, with special attention to diet, rest, and bonding.

For the community, the arrival of the rare calf is more than just a zoo highlight—it is a reminder that even small conservation victories can inspire greater awareness and action. In a world where biodiversity faces mounting threats, the safe birth of one okapi calf carries immeasurable significance.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.