Viewers Get First Glimpse of Rare 6-Week-Old Okapi Calf Born in UK Zoo
There are plenty of rare animals in the world, but few are as mysterious and unknown as the okapi. The 'forest giraffe' can only be found in one are of the world, and scientists didn't even know they existed until 1901. Now, researchers are trying to learn more about the species while protecting its small population.
The birth of an okapi calf at the UK's Chester Zoo is wonderful news for the endangered species, and now guests can get a glimpse of the gangly 6-week-old. She's absolutely beautiful!
Meet Arabi! This young female okapi was born on May 12 to 10-year-old mom K'tusha and 20-year-old dad Stomp. According to the zoo, Arabi and her mom have been resting behind-the-scenes since the little one's birth, but everything recently changed as she took her first step outdoors at the zoo.
Unsurprisingly, viewers are gushing over the little one and her energetic outside romp. One commenter named Sandie said, "she is very cute and what a lovely name," and we can't help but agree. Between her long legs and her tall ears, there's just so much to appreciate about her.
As cute as this baby zoo animal is, her birth is also a big deal for her species and the conservationists who care for them. Her name, Arabi, is inspired by a village in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This is the only area of the world where these elusive animals can be found.
Hannah Owens, an okapi zookeeper at the Chester Zoom was happy to report that the "energetic little calf is showing lots of personality, and it’s going to be a real privilege to watch her grow and become a vital part of the global population of her species."
As exciting as her birth may be for her African species, it's also a joyful occasion for the UK residents who will get to watch her grow up.
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