Endangered Okapi Born to First-Time Mom at Oklahoma City Zoo: 'We Are Overjoyed'

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Lisbeth P./OKC Zoo

The Oklahoma City Zoo (OKC Zoo) has a new okapi resident.

On Wednesday,the Oklahoma zooannounced that first-time mom Kayin the okapi gave birth to a male calf on September 7.

Okapis are a rare, endangered animal often called the “ghost of the forests” in their native Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species is the giraffe’s only living relative; the zoo shared inits release about the okapi’s birth.

“We are overjoyed about the arrival of Kayin’s first calf and welcoming this new generation to our okapi family,” Tracey Dolphin, the OKC Zoo’s curator of hoofstock and primates, said in a statement. “Kayin is being a very attentive first-time mother and demonstrating exceptional maternal care. Her new calf is healthy and strong and meeting his milestones including nursing and bonding with mom.”

Jennifer D./OKC Zoo

The new parents are among 88 okapis being cared for among 29 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited members in North America and are participants in AZA’s Species Survival Plan®(SSP). Kayin and Bosomi were placed together as part of an SSP breeding recommendation, which was fruitful.

Kayin and her new calf are behind the scenes at the OKC Zoo, enjoying plenty of bonding time and rest before meeting the public. Animal lovers won’t be able to meet the new arrival for several weeks because the young animal is entering his “nesting phase.”

According to the OKC Zoo, young okapis spend several weeks nestled in vegetation, conserving their energy, primarily only nursing and sleeping. The zoo will continue to provide information about the calf’s progress on its social media channels.

source: people.com