Baby okapi Neo makes public debut

A baby okapi has made his first foray into public view after being born at a Yorkshire zoo.

Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP), near Doncaster, has been part of a breeding programme for the endangered species since 2023, already successfully producing one calf.

New arrival Neo was born in December, but has only just set foot in his new enclosure.

Kyrie Birkett, section head of hoofstock, said the park was "really lucky" to look after "an incredible and beautiful species which need protecting".

"It was amazing to see Neo take his first steps into his new enclosure," Birkett said.

"He was nervous at first but has settled in quickly and is enjoying his new environment."

Often known as the "forest giraffe", okapi are mammals native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, known for their distinctive striped markings on their legs.

They can grow to almost 5ft tall (1.52m) at the shoulder with an average body length of 8ft (2.4m), weigh up to 771lb (350kg) and can live up to 30 years.

The species is currently classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and is under threat from poachers, logging, illegal mining and other unrest.

Mother Ruby had been sent to Chester Zoo in 2023 to breed with their male Stomp, as part of the breeding programme for okapi in zoos across Europe.

She returned to YWP in 2024 when she was several months pregnant.

Ruby's first calf Mzimu, born in 2021, is now part of the breeding programme at ZSL London Zoo.

The birth of another okapi is a "real boost for the endangered species", the wildlife park said.

"It is so exciting to see Ruby with a new calf," Birkett added.

"She is an excellent mother and is very protective of her new baby."

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