Okapi calf, a threatened and uncommon species akin to a forest giraffe, makes its debut at Dublin Zoo
The rare okapi calf, born at Dublin Zoo earlier this year, is growing steadily and showing signs of good health, providing a ray of hope amidst the ongoing struggle for the survival of this endangered species in the wild.
The okapi, a forest giraffe native to the dense forests of the northeast Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is currently listed as endangered by the IUCN Red List. Estimates suggest that there are fewer than 4,500 individuals in the wild, with the population having declined by over 40% between 1995 and 2007.
The primary threats to okapis in the DRC include habitat loss and degradation due to large-scale logging, human settlement, and illegal gold mining activities. Armed conflict and poaching for meat and skins also pose significant dangers.
Historically, deforestation in the DRC was relatively low, with around 3,100sq km (1,200sq miles) of forest being lost annually. However, from 2015 to 2019, the rate of tree-felling doubled, causing a major loss in vegetation for the okapi species.
Dublin Zoo has been supporting conservation efforts for the okapi species since 2012, with financial support to rangers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The okapi family at Dublin Zoo, including the new calf, mother Lumara, and father Kitabu, are a testament to these efforts.
The calf, whose name reflects the species' origins, has spent her first months in the family's nest. She has two siblings in Dublin Zoo, named Dalia and Leki. Interestingly, their habitat in the zoo is near the northeastern African cheetahs and not far from the Asian elephants.
This is the third calf of the okapi species born in Ireland. The estimated global population of okapis ranges from 15,000 to 50,000, with the majority residing in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the DRC.
Unfortunately, the DRC has suffered from political instability for years, with rebel groups often igniting conflicts across the region. Armed gangs and poachers continue to threaten both the okapi populations and the safety of conservation staff.
Despite these challenges, conservation efforts are ongoing, including the nearly 40-year Okapi Conservation Project partnership, which supports both protection of the species and local communities. Recent signs of recovery include the return of okapis to certain areas of the reserve after years of absence following violent attacks.
Continued habitat protection, anti-poaching enforcement, and stabilization of conflict zones are crucial for the survival of the okapi. As the new calf thrives at Dublin Zoo, let's hope that these efforts will ensure a brighter future for these unique creatures in the wild.
[1] IUCN Red List: Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/10173/14972814 [2] Okapi Conservation Project: Okapi Facts https://okapiconservation.org/okapi-facts/ [3] Okapi Conservation Project: Overview https://okapiconservation.org/ [4] Dublin Zoo: Okapi https://dublinzoo.ie/animals/okapi/ [5] Okapi Conservation Project: Partners https://okapiconservation.org/partners/
In an ongoing effort to protect the endangered okapi species, Dublin Zoo is not only caring for a family of okapis, including the latest calf, but also financially supporting rangers in their native habitat – the forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo – to help mitigate threats such as habitat loss, illegal mining, and poaching. To further aid conservation efforts, expenditure on home and garden could be redirected towards supporting organizations like the Okapi Conservation Project, ensuring a healthier lifestyle for okapis in the wild. By supporting these initiatives, we can provide a beacon of hope for the future of these remarkable creatures that call the home-and-garden setting of the dense Congolese forests their natural habitat.
