Baby Okapi Born At London Zoo Takes First Wobbly Steps Minutes After Being Born

Oct 06, 2020 by apost team

When you tell most people that a baby okapi has been born, they are most likely to respond with, "What's an okapi?" Yet, to the anxious zookeepers at ZSL London Zoo in the UK's capital, the sight of the gangly creature could not have been more exciting.

Okapis are extremely rare animals and have been considered endangered for quite some time. Thus, whenever a new baby is born, it goes a long way towards the preservation and furtherance of the species. Many zoos do not even have an okapi, so London Zoo's breeding program is something truly special.

Okapis are the only living relative of giraffes. Although there used to be dozens of varieties of these creatures, okapis are the only remaining species with similar characteristics. Native to the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, they are an elusive animal that has only grown more scarce over the years. Through a combination of poaching and the destruction of their habitat, okapi numbers have continued to dwindle.

Born on September 20, the zookeepers named the new calf Ede, reports Shropshire Star. Ede's mom had an unenviable process. As with all okapis, her pregnancy was a long one. On average, the gestation period lasts over 16 months. For Ede's mother, Oni, it was almost 17.

For months, the zookeepers have had to keep a watchful eye on the expectant mother to know if she was going into labor. "Like all okapis, Oni had a long pregnancy–close to 16 months–so we've been excitedly waiting for Ede for a long time," ZSL okapi keeper Gemma Metcalfe said. Thus, when they spotted her going into labor on CCTV, it was a relief for mother and keeper alike.

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The birth went smoothly but was nonetheless a long process. Oni was in labor for over 12 hours before the quirky hooves and striped legs became visible. After being born, Ede took a few wobbly and confused steps around the enclosure. She had not quite gotten used to her long legs and tripped awkwardly a few times. However, within just a few minutes, she was walking with the confidence of a full-size beast.

Oni has excelled at mothering the calf. Zookeepers report that the mother has barely left the child's side and has been extremely attentive to her every need. Often, mother okapis can be aggressive or overly rough with their young. However, Oni has bucked that trend. According to the Shropshire Star, Metcalfe stated: “Ede is already a feisty young calf and has been bouncing happily around the stables, but Oni is keeping her in their cozy indoor dens until she feels Ede is ready to explore their lush outdoor paddocks."

As with so many other things, COVID has posed an interesting new challenge to this process. Because of the ongoing lockdown, there were numerous logistical challenges. The zoo was closed for the entirety of the end of her pregnancy. Because of the restrictions, the zookeepers had to work in shifts and maintain distance while caring for the animal's needs. However, they made sure that there was always somebody close by to Oni if she needed anything at all.

The keepers are extremely excited about Ede's debut. The ability to see a juvenile okapi is an extremely rare treat, and one which the zoo is hoping it can offer soon. Ede is quite the show-woman as well, as she spends her days happily bounding around the stables. Oni often has to reign the rambunctious calf back into the indoor den for a meal or a nap.

Zoos have become increasingly focused on preservation and saving rare species over the years, and London Zoo is leading the way in this process. Although Ede is the only young okapi, she is far from the only rare animal that the zoo has the chance to rear.

While her wobbly first steps could only be seen remotely by fans, she will soon be able to great her visitors in person. What is your favorite rare animal to visit at the zoo? Let us know in the comments and make somebody smile by passing along this special moment with them.