COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden welcomed a new baby okapi to its herd on Sunday.
The baby, who has not yet been named, was born on Dec. 17 to mom Kuvua and dad Kiloro. Members of the veterinarian staff conducted a neonatal exam on Friday and determined that the calf is a male.
“This is Kuvua’s fourth calf, and she is an amazing momma,” said Renee Carpenter, senior keeper at the zoo. “She’s being attentive to the little one’s every need. The calf is strong and looks healthy. It’s also super soft and fuzzy.”
During the colder months, the mom and calf will bond behind the scenes. Visitors will be able to visit them in the okapi yard later this spring.
The zoo is asking anyone with name suggestions to send them in through social media.
Okapi’s are a rare and endangered species, and the new birth marks the zoo’s 18th okapi birth since 1989. The animals are classified as “threatened” due to habitat destruction and poaching, according to a release from the zoo.
There are approximately 15,000 okapis in the world. They are known as the only relative of the giraffe.
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