{"id":611099,"date":"2026-09-25T06:08:18","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T06:08:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/611099\/"},"modified":"2026-09-25T06:08:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T06:08:18","slug":"rainforest-wild-adventure-welcomes-first-okapi-born-in-south-east-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/611099\/","title":{"rendered":"Rainforest Wild Adventure welcomes first okapi born in South-east Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

SINGAPORE \u2013 Rainforest Wild Adventure on July 27 welcomed the arrival of an okapi calf, the first to be born in South-east Asia.<\/p>\n

Mandai Wildlife Group said on Sept 24 that the male calf, born to first-time parents Kisala, seven, and Xandor, four, currently weighs 48kg \u2013 more than double its birth weight.<\/p>\n

It is housed with its mother in the Hidden Forest at Rainforest Wild Adventure East.<\/p>\n

“We recently gave them access to their outdoor habitat, but the calf is still taking time to get used to his new surroundings,” said Cecilia Tang, a curator at Mandai’s animal care department.<\/p>\n

“We’re allowing him to explore and build confidence at his own pace, so it may take some time before visitors see more of him.”<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The calf spends most of its time in the calving box.<\/p>\n

As the calf may retreat to the off-exhibit den, a “baby monitor” providing a live feed is available for visitors wanting to catch a glimpse of it.<\/p>\n

Those who wish to learn more about the species can join the daily okapi ranger talk at the park, held at 10.30am and 3pm.<\/p>\n

The okapi, a highly elusive species closely related to giraffes, is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<\/p>\n

Okapis are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and are cared for by only a handful of zoos worldwide.<\/p>\n

According to Mandai, the calf’s parents came to Singapore under the EAZA Ex situ Programme, a coordinated breeding programme for threatened species.<\/p>\n

“After Kisala was paired with Xandor, we observed changes in her appetite and body condition and began preparing for the possibility of a pregnancy,” said Tang.<\/p>\n

“An ultrasound in July confirmed she was expecting a calf, which was an exciting milestone for the team.”<\/p>\n

Okapis have one of the longest gestation periods among hoofed mammals, lasting around 440 days or 14 to 15 months.<\/p>\n

Calves naturally spend most of their early days hidden and still to avoid being detected by predators, with mothers returning only a few times a day to nurse.<\/p>\n

Mandai has invited members of the public to help name the calf by voting on its social media pages.<\/p>\n

They can choose from three names inspired by African languages: Imara, meaning strong in Swahili; Mayaka, meaning pearl in Lingala; and Kiah, meaning dawn, new beginnings or start of the season in Swahili.<\/p>\n

\"Guests<\/p>\n

Guests can get okapi souvenirs at the retail shop at Rainforest Wild Adventure East.<\/p>\n

To celebrate the calf’s birth, okapi-themed offerings will be available across the Mandai precinct.<\/p>\n

This includes an okapi-inspired cake, which will be available from October at selected dining outlets, and okapi souvenirs at the retail shop at Rainforest Wild Adventure East.<\/p>\n

Aside from the okapi calf, Mandai also welcomed the sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope, at Rainforest Wild Adventure.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The sitatungas can be found in Rainforest Wild Adventure East.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the park’s Lemur Land will progressively welcome more species, with the crowned lemur and red-bellied lemur expected to debut by November 2026.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The red-bellied lemur can be expected at Lemur Land from November 2026.<\/p>\n

Together, they will bring the total number of lemur species in the Madagascan-themed rainforest to four.<\/p>\n

\"Guests<\/p>\n

Guests can catch a glimpse of the calf via the “baby monitor” providing a live feed from the den.<\/p>\n

Source: The Straits Times \u00a9 SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction<\/a><\/p>\n

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