Rare Okapi Calf Born at Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo has confirmed the birth of a rare and endangered female okapi calf.

The newborn is the third offspring of ten-year-old Lumara and father Kitabu. Both mother and calf are reported to be healthy and doing well. This is only the third okapi calf ever born in Ireland.

The unnamed calf has spent her first few months nesting, which is typical for the species, but is now starting to venture outdoors. Zoo visitors may be able to catch a glimpse of her in the African Plains area over the coming weeks.

Okapis are large, shy herbivores native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Closely related to the giraffe, they are known for their reddish coats and zebra-like stripes. The species is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, with as few as 15,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Threats include deforestation, poaching and civil unrest.

Dublin Zoo has supported conservation efforts in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve since 2012, funding ranger patrols and community outreach in the DRC.