Endangered okapi born at Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is celebrating another new arrival as a rare okapi calf is born.

The male calf, who zookeepers have named Semuliki, arrived to first time mum K’tusha after a 15 month pregnancy.

The okapi is the closest and only living relative of the giraffe, despite its zebra like stripes on its hind legs.

Due to its camouflage and secretive nature, the species wasn’t discovered by scientists until 1901.

The okapi can only be found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but faces a battle for survival.

Curator of Mammals at Chester Zoo, Tim Rowlands, said:

“With just 68 okapi in zoos in Europe, the safe arrival of this calf is a huge boost to the breeding programme for the species. K’tusha is proving to be a very relaxed and attentive mum to her first little calf.

“And vitally, the birth serves an important reminder of just how highly endangered these beautiful animals are."

“For a long time, their shy nature and their isolation in the deep forests of the DRC had kept the okapi safe. However, today, they are highly threatened by hunting and increasing levels of habitat destruction. Our conservation efforts are now vital for their long-term future.”

Zoo experts are working in Africa to help monitor the population of the rainforest giraffe.