Thriving okapi calf, a globally endangered species, is flourishing at Dublin Zoo
In the heart of Dublin, the Okapi calf born at Dublin Zoo on Good Friday is thriving, marking a significant milestone for the endangered species. This new addition, yet to be named, is the third okapi calf born in Ireland and is growing steadily over the past three months, showing signs of good health [1].
The okapi, a large, hoofed mammal related to the giraffe, sports a unique reddish-brown, velvety coat with black-and-white stripes on their hind legs. Born to mother Lumara, aged 10, the calf is settling into her home under her attentive care [2].
The natural habitat of okapis lies in the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). However, their population faces severe threats, with estimates ranging between 15,000 and 50,000 individuals in the wild [3]. Major challenges include habitat loss due to logging, mining, and deforestation, poaching for bushmeat, political instability, armed conflict, and illegal gold mining [4].
Conservation efforts are ongoing, with organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project, based at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the Ituri Forest, playing a crucial role [4]. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve is recognized as the single largest stronghold of okapis in the DRC [1].
Dublin Zoo plays a vital role in these conservation efforts. They participate in the international conservation breeding program, contributing to genetic diversity and captive population health [4]. Their recent okapi calf birth is a testament to their commitment to captive breeding and public education to raise awareness of okapi conservation [2].
Moreover, Dublin Zoo collaborates with conservation partners to support habitat surveys and field research, reinforcing their commitment beyond the zoo environment [4].
Visitors to Dublin Zoo may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the growing calf as she begins to explore her outdoor habitat in the coming weeks. The Okapi remains endangered, but with dedicated efforts from institutions like Dublin Zoo and organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project, there is hope for the species' survival.
References:
[1] Okapi Conservation Project. (n.d.). Okapi Facts. Retrieved from https://okapiconservation.org/okapi-facts/
[2] Dublin Zoo. (2025, April 15). Rare Okapi Calf Born at Dublin Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.dublinzoo.ie/news/rare-okapi-calf-born-at-dublin-zoo
[3] International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). (2020). Okapi. Retrieved from https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/13483/3502037
[4] Okapi Conservation Project. (2020). Okapi Conservation Project. Retrieved from https://okapiconservation.org/
[5] Wildlife Conservation Society. (n.d.). Okapi. Retrieved from https://www.wcs.org/projects/okapi
Despite its thriving condition at Dublin Zoo, the Okapi continues to face tremendous challenges in its natural home-and-garden, the dense forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dublin Zoo's ongoing partnerships with conservation organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project are pivotal in ensuring the success of conservation efforts for this endangered species.
