Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- The New Calf at San Diego Zoo
- What Makes Okapi So Unique
- Why Okapi Are Endangered
- The Role of Zoos in Conservation
- How you can help
Key Takeaways
- A female okapi named Subira gave birth to a healthy calf on September 2, 2025, fathered by first-time dad Kapu (people.com).
- This is the first okapi calf born at the zoo since 2021, and the first ever born outside in its naturalistic habitat (people.com).
- Okapi, often called “forest giraffes,” are only found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are classified as endangered (people.com).
- Each birth is critical for sustaining the global okapi population and supporting conservation awareness.
The New Calf at San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance announced that Subira, a female okapi, gave birth to a healthy calf on September 2, 2025 (people.com). This marks the zoo’s first okapi calf since 2021 and the very first to be born outdoors in the zoo’s Lost Forest habitat. Visitors can already see the calf exploring the world alongside her mother.
Okapi calves are sensitive to temperature and do not regulate body heat well, so in past years they were typically kept behind the scenes during cooler months. A warm early September made it possible for this newborn to be delivered and raised in the outdoor enclosure (people.com).
What Makes Okapi So Unique
Okapi are often called “forest giraffes” because they are the only living relatives of giraffes. They have:
- A velvety, chocolate-brown coat with striking zebra-like stripes on their legs
- Long, flexible tongues capable of cleaning their eyes and ears
- Secretive forest-dwelling habits in the dense Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Despite their zebra-like stripes, okapi are not related to zebras — their closest relatives are giraffes.
Why Okapi Are Endangered
Okapi are found only in the Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are classified as endangered by the IUCN due to:
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Habitat loss from deforestation and mining
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Poaching for bushmeat and skin
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Civil unrest in their native range disrupting conservation efforts (people.com)
Fewer than 25,000 okapi are estimated to survive in the wild. Each captive birth plays a vital role in ensuring the species’ survival.
The Role of Zoos in Conservation
While some criticize captivity, zoos like San Diego play a crucial role in conservation:
- Breeding programs sustain genetic diversity
- Education raises awareness of endangered species among the public
- Funding supports fieldwork in the Congo to protect wild populations
The new okapi calf is more than a zoo attraction — she’s an ambassador for her species.
Final Thoughts and How You Can Help
The birth of this okapi calf is a symbol of hope for one of the world’s most elusive and endangered animals. With fewer than 25,000 left in the wild, every calf matters for conservation.
If you’d like to support okapi and other endangered species:
- Visit accredited zoos and conservation centers
- Donate to organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project or WWF
- Share awareness stories like this one to inspire others
And if you want to carry that inspiration with you, check out our Anml Core collections — cozy apparel that celebrates the animals we love while spreading awareness through style.