Photo: San Antonio Zoo
San Antonio Zoo has announced the birth of a precious okapi calf, adding to the growing family of this elusive and endangered species. The male calf, born Saturday, September 2nd, to first-time parents Ludimi and Epulu, has generated excitement among staff, highlighting the zoo's commitment to conservation and wildlife preservation. For now, the baby Okapi will remain behind the scenes with Mom. The zoo will announce his debut when the time comes for the young okapi to begin exploring his habitat.
The baby will get his Texas nickname at this year’s 41st Annual Zoobilation Ball on November 10th. The naming opportunity will be one of the live auction packages at the event, which is the zoo’s largest annual fundraiser. Timothy The Hippo famously got his Texas nickname at Zoobilation Ball in 2017.
With a gestation period of 14 months, the birth of an okapi calf is a remarkable event. In as little as 30 minutes of being born, these incredible creatures can stand on their own, showcasing their natural adaptability and resilience. In the wild, baby okapis are meticulously protected in nests for two months, ensuring their safety from predators while they nurse.
"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome this adorable okapi calf into our San Antonio Zoo family," said Tim Morrow, President & CEO of San Antonio Zoo. "We invite everyone to join us in this extraordinary journey on our social platforms and soon at the zoo as we closely observe the calf's growth and development."
While their appearance may be reminiscent of zebras, okapis are actually the closest living relatives to giraffes. They share the unique distinction of belonging to the Giraffidae family, making them a captivating and rare species to observe.
One notable feature of the okapi is its impressively long tongue, measuring up to 14 inches. This adaptation allows them to strip leaves from vegetation and thrive in their natural habitat - the dense jungles of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Often referred to as the "African Unicorn" due to their elusive nature, okapis were unknown to the western world until the 20th century when they were officially discovered by western scientists in 1901. Today, they face significant threats to their survival, including poaching, habitat destruction, and human encroachment on their natural habitat.
The birth of this okapi calf serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts. San Antonio Zoo actively supports initiatives aimed at preserving the Congo Basin Rainforests, which are home to numerous unique plants and animals, including mountain gorillas, forest elephants, chimps, bonobos, and pygmy hippos.
According to the Observatory for Central Africa Forests (OFAC), the Congo Basin Rainforests are currently at risk of losing over a quarter of its ecosystem by 2050 due to deforestation. Illegal logging, mining, urban expansion, the bushmeat trade, and agricultural development are the primary factors contributing to this alarming destruction.