- Introduction to Meet Kayemba, the rare okapi calf: Understanding its significance at Marwell Zoo and its unique characteristics.
- The biology and natural habitat of the okapi, including its conservation status and challenges faced in the wild.
- Marwell Zoo’s role in wildlife conservation: Strategies and efforts in promoting okapi well-being and broader biodiversity initiatives.
- The significance of breeding programs in zoos: Contributions to preserving endangered species, with a focus on the okapi.
- Public engagement and education: How zoos like Marwell foster awareness and appreciation for the okapi and other endangered species.
Meet Kayemba, a rare okapi calf, was recently born at Marwell Zoo, generating much excitement among conservationists and animal enthusiasts. This birth highlights the successes and importance of contemporary zoos in the quests to bolster endangered species populations. The okapi is a mysterious mammal native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Also known as the "forest giraffe," it’s renowned for its unique blend of attributes reminiscent of both giraffes and zebras. The presence of this young calf at Marwell Zoo provides an opportunity to educate the public about the okapi and reinforce pledges to conservation and biodiversity.
The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a singular species within the Giraffidae family, sharing a lineage with the giraffe. Its discovery by Western scientists in the early 20th century sparked widespread intrigue due to its peculiar morphology—a testament to evolutionary adaptation. Okapis boast a velvety brown coat with signature white zebra-like stripes on their hindquarters and legs, features that aid in camouflage within their native forest surroundings. These adaptations enable them to blend seamlessly with the intricate patterns of light and shadow encountered amid thick foliage.
In their natural habitat, the okapi subsists primarily on a diet of leaves, buds, fruits, and fungi. They employ a prehensile tongue, similar to their giraffe relatives, for grasping and pulling foliage. The unique digestive mechanics enable them to extract nutrients efficiently, despite the fibrous nature of their plant-based diet. However, the okapi’s existence in the wild faces numerous threats, most notably habitat destruction driven by illegal logging, mining, and human encroachment, alongside poaching for bushmeat and pelts. Consequently, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has classified the okapi as an endangered species.
Marwell Zoo plays a pivotal role in wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species like the okapi. As part of organized international efforts, the zoo contributes to coordinated breeding programs designed to maintain and improve the genetic diversity of captive populations. By doing so, they ensure the resilience of species like the okapi under the pressures of environmental change and potential disease outbreaks. The newborn calf at Marwell is a product of these efforts, symbolizing hope for the species’ future.
Breeding programs are a cornerstone of modern zoos’ commitment to conservation, offering crucial support to species with diminishing populations in the wild. For the okapi, captive breeding programs provide a safety net that conserves their genetic heritage while also contributing valuable data for research. Behavioral studies and health monitoring within these programs augment our understanding of okapi biology, yielding insights beneficial for their management both in captivity and, where feasible, reintroductions into their natural habitats.
Public engagement is an imperative component of the endeavors zoos undertake to raise awareness about endangered species. Marwell Zoo is exemplary in its educational outreach, employing diverse strategies to communicate the significance of the okapi and other at-risk species. Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, the zoo fosters an appreciation for wildlife conservation, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world. The birth of Kayemba offers the perfect focal point to captivate audiences and instill a sense of curiosity about the ecological treasures found within rainforest ecosystems.
Zoos like Marwell serve as critical habitats for species facing peril in the wild. They exist not only as places of research and conservation but also as urban arks that help safeguard the planet’s rich biodiversity. By supporting these institutions and advocating for sustainable practices, we contribute to a collective effort to preserve the planet’s ecological heritage for future generations.
Meet Kayemba, the rare okapi calf, also signifies a broader narrative about the dedication and resilience required to champion conservation in today’s world. Understanding the biology of the okapi and the strategic measures zoos implement to conserve them allows us to appreciate the intricate mosaic of life we all must endeavor to protect. With each new generation born in captivity, such as at Marwell Zoo, we come closer to ensuring a stable future for the okapi and countless other species teetering on the brink of extinction.
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Source Description
Marwell Wildlife is celebrating the birth of a rare okapi calf, marking a significant milestone for the conservation of this endangered species.
The calf’s mother Niari was herself born at Marwell five years ago to Daphne and Jabari. This marks an incredible third-generation success, highlighting the zoo’s expertise in breeding and caring for okapi.
The species, often referred to as the ‘forest giraffe’ is native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo and faces increasing threats from habitat loss, poaching and illegal mining, with fewer than 10,000 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
Zoe Newnham, Hoofstock Senior Animal Keeper, said: “This birth is a huge milestone for us and for okapi conservation. Successfully breeding a third generation underscores the expertise and commitment of our team and it has been especially rewarding to have worked with Niari from birth all the way to now seeing her as a mum herself. Niari has been an attentive and brilliant mum so far, and the calf we have named Kayemba, after a place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is doing very well, feeding regularly, nesting, and occasionally exploring his surroundings under Niari’s watchful eye. Every new arrival brings hope for the survival of this extraordinary species.”
Kayemba was born on 28 October following a 14-month gestation period. In the wild, okapi mothers leave their calves hidden in dense vegetation, returning only to nurse them. This instinctive behaviour helps protect the vulnerable newborns from predators.
Interestingly, okapi calves do not defecate for the first 40 to 60 days of life—a unique adaptation thought to reduce the likelihood of detection by predators. It is vital that new mothers bond with their babies immediately for the survival of the calf, so keepers have been keeping a watchful eye on the pair behind the scenes.
The okapi house is now open, however guests hoping to catch a glimpse of the new arrival will need patience, as the calf remains in a ‘nesting’ phase.
Zoe explained: “We know guests will be excited to see Kayemba, but we want to make sure that both animals enjoy some peace and quiet, as this is essential in the first few weeks of the nesting period. Okapis are very shy animals and so we prefer to keep okapi dams and calves in a calm and quiet environment to reduce noise and stress levels, with calves becoming more confident as they grow. Kayemba will remain safely tucked away in its nest, but will occasionally venture out to explore, so guests may be lucky enough to catch a quick glimpse during this time.”
Despite their zebra-like stripes on their hindquarters which help camouflage them in the shadows of the rainforest, okapis are more closely related to giraffes, and their elusive nature meant they remained undiscovered until 1901.
Marwell plays a vital role in the EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP) for okapis ensuring a genetically diverse and sustainable population.
Zoe, added: “The birth of the new calf is an exciting and emotional time for the team. Working with the species is a massive privilege and a lot of hard work and dedication goes into creating positive bonds with them every day. While moments like this are cause for celebration, they also remind us of the urgent need to protect wild populations.”
Marwell Zoo is a conservation and education charity working for balance in the natural world. For more information, go to marwell.org.uk
