Okapi was born in a zoo – one of the least known and understood species on the planet

An okapi was born in a British zoo, a rare birth for “one of the least known and understood species on the planet.”

known as jungle giraffe The endangered mammal was born at Chester Zoo on May 12 to a 10-year-old mother and a 20-year-old male named Stomp. but, Her birth is now known.

young okapi who called Arabic It takes its first steps at the age of six weeks, and the zoo threw a party to celebrate the birth of the rare species.

Conservationists hope the birth will shed new light on this shy and elusive species, which is classified as endangered, and It was discovered by scientists only in 1901.

Okapi got its name from a village located at Okapi Wildlife Sanctuaryin the only country where Okapis lives, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

it is expected that Fewer than 10,000 okapi live in the wild, in the dense rainforests of the Congo. Zoo England and its partners say the new arrival is vital to the global population of this species.

“Every litter is really incredibly special,” said Hannah Owens, an okapi keeper at Chester Zoo. “My mom has been doing a great job, feeding and nourishing her baby every single day.”

Mike Jordan, Zoo Director, added: “The arrival of the okapi is not only cause for celebration, but also marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to conservation and conservation. Protect these charismatic types. And through our continued efforts, we hope to inspire others to join us in protecting these precious creatures.”

the The okapi is the national symbol of the Congo And protected by law. However, habitat loss, poaching, and prolonged periods of armed conflict have made the conservation of this species more difficult.

However, we have been supporting okapi conservation in the area for nearly 20 years and are now part of one 10-year global project, In collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, we are developing an action plan and exploring ways to help the last remaining okapi.”