(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento Zoo welcomed a healthy male okapi on Thursday, marking the first okapi birth in the zoo’s history.
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Officials said Kivuli, their female okapi, successfully gave birth to the calf during the day, which was partially visible to guests in the side yard of the okapi habitat.
“Both our animal care team and veterinary staff worked diligently to ensure a healthy delivery for both the mother and the calf,” zoo officials said. “Both Kivuli and the calf are healthy. Our animal care team and veterinary staff will monitor both closely in the next few weeks, and the pair will be off exhibit during this period to adjust.”
(IMAGE: The Sacramento Zoo)
(IMAGE: The Sacramento Zoo)
(IMAGE: The Sacramento Zoo)
Officials with the Sacramento Zoo said that they are following the protocols of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to ensure the health of both animals. According to the zoo, there are fewer than 100 okapi across 27 institutions within AZA, making the birth an important milestone for the Sacramento Zoo, AZA’s Species Survival Plan and global conservation.
Additionally, okapi are considered endangered with an estimated wild population between 10,000 and 15,000, the International Union for Conservation of Nature said.
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Human interaction with the mother and calf is currently limited to essential staff as they observe bonding, nursing and growth monitoring.
“This successful birth reflects teamwork across our animal care team, veterinary staff, facilities staff, horticulture team, nutrition, development, and leadership. This is a milestone for the Sacramento Zoo and its impact on conservation,” officials stated.
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