Rare okapi calf born
10 September 2004
Rare okapi calf born at Bristol Zoo Gardens takes first tentative steps in public
Bristol Zoo Gardens is celebrating the birth of one of the rarest species in captivity, following the arrival of a new okapi calf born on Sunday 5 September. The birth was the result of a successful introduction between the Zoo’s female okapi, Xanti and a new male, Ndura, in June last year.
The calf, which has inherited its parent’s distinct black and white stripes on its rump, is doing well and has just taken its first tentative steps into the public eye this weekend. Since its birth it has been nesting with its mother and will remain with her for several months. Its progress is being carefully monitored and assessed by a spy camera set up in the special birthing enclosure at the Zoo. The calf’s sex is as yet unknown, as the keepers have been keeping a discreet distance while the mother and calf bond.
The calf’s parents, Ndura and Xanti, were introduced when Ndura was transferred from Basle Zoo in Switzerland. This is their first offspring. The introduction was part of a European breeding and conservation programme that aims to increase the numbers of okapi and raise awareness of the threats faced by one of the most endangered species in the world. It has been estimated that there are only 30,000 okapi left in the wild, and occur in only one protected area in Epulu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Bristol Zoo Gardens, the first UK zoo to receive an okapi in 1961, has proved to be key in the development and growth of captive bred okapi. Twenty-nine animals have been born over the last 40 years and transferred to zoos throughout Europe to encourage further breeding programmes and insure new genetic stock.
Dr Jo Gipps, Director of the Zoo, comments: “The active role Bristol Zoo Gardens has taken in the international breeding and conservation programme to increase okapi numbers and raise awareness of the threats is an important demonstration of the role of modern zoos in active conservation.”
