Rare Okapi Calf Only Sixth Birth of Species at Denver Zoo
Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 21, 2014 -- Denver Zoo is celebrating the birth of a rare okapi (oh-Kah-pee). The male calf, named Jabari (Jah-bar-ee), was born to mother, Kalispell (Kal-lis-pell), and father, Sekele (seh-Kee-lee), on February 3, and is only the sixth birth of his species at the zoo. Jabari will remain behind the scenes for a short while longer, but visitors will soon be able to see the youngster as he grows and becomes more self-sufficient.
Jabari, Swahili for “brave,” is the first birth for both of his parents. Sekele was born in June 2009 at the San Diego Zoo and arrived at Denver Zoo from there in November 2010. Kalispell was born at Denver Zoo in June 2009 and was actually the Zoo’s last okapi birth prior to Jabari. Sekele and Kalispell were paired under recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP), which ensures healthy populations and genetic diversity among zoo animals. Fortunately, the couple has proved to be an excellent match.
Okapis look like a cross between zebras and giraffes. In fact, the species is the only living relative to the giraffe. In addition to long necks, okapis have reddish bodies, black-and-white striped legs and 12-inch, purple, prehensile tongues. Adult okapis weigh between 500 and 700 pounds and stand approximately five feet tall at the shoulder. Females are generally larger than males. The okapi’s gestation period is between 14 and 15 months.
Native only to the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), survival of the okapi is seriously threatened by unsettled political conditions and rebel military actions in that part of the DRC. Wild population estimates for the species are extremely difficult to determine because the forest is so dense, but experts believe there are between 10,000 and 50,000 individuals. Their numbers are believed to be declining, though and okapis are classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Additional threats come from habitat loss and hunting.
This rare species was only first discovered about 100 years ago. Very little is known about the behavior of the okapi in the wild due to its shy, elusive nature. Much of what is known has been learned in zoos in the past 45 years.
About Denver Zoo: Denver Zoo is home to 4,000 animals representing more than 600 species and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA accreditation assures the highest standards of animal care.
A leader in environmental action, Denver Zoo is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the environment in support of all species and is the first U.S. zoo to receive ISO 14001 certification for the entire facility and operations. This international certification ensures the zoo is attaining the highest environmental standards.
Since 1996, Denver Zoo has participated in 594 conservation projects in 62 countries on all seven continents. In 2012 alone, Denver Zoo participated in 98 projects in 18 countries and more than $1 million in funds was spent by the zoo in support of animal conservation in the field.
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Tiffany Barnhart:, Denver Zoo, http://www.denverzoo.org, +1 (720) 337-1444, [email protected]
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