Singapore Zoo celebrates birth of Southeast Asia's first okapi calf

Singapore Zoo announced the successful birth of an okapi calf, a rare achievement that marks the first such birth recorded in Southeast Asia. The newborn represents a major milestone in the regional breeding programme for the species, which remains largely unknown to the general public despite its remarkable characteristics.

Okapis are often referred to as "forest giraffes" due to their distant evolutionary relationship to giraffes, though they more closely resemble a cross between a giraffe and a zebra. Native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, okapis are elusive, solitary creatures that are rarely seen in their natural habitat. The species was virtually unknown to the Western world until the early 20th century.

The distinctive animal stands out for its velvety coat, which is dark brown to black, contrasted by striking white and cream-coloured stripes on its hindquarters and legs. Okapis possess an extraordinarily long, dark-coloured tongue, which they use to forage for leaves and fruits in the forest canopy. These features make the species highly distinctive and visually striking.

The species faces significant threats in its native Congo rainforest, including habitat loss, poaching, and civil unrest. International conservation programmes, including breeding initiatives in zoos across the world, play a crucial role in maintaining genetically diverse populations. The Singapore Zoo birth underscores the region's commitment to wildlife conservation and species preservation.

The okapi calf will help raise awareness about this remarkable but little-known species and support ongoing efforts to ensure the survival of okapis for future generations.