On Wednesday, December 20, the Cincinnati Zoo graced internet users with an adorable and heartwarming video of one of their newest residents. In the clip, a newborn okapi named Mokonzi easily captivates his audience by taking his very first steps!
This little calf is the 18th okapi born at the Cincinnati Zoo since 1989, and he received a very warm welcome by the zoo’s veterinary staff. Mokonzi and his mom are in very capable hands!
@cincinnatizooSome of baby okpai’s first steps! Each okapi birth is significant for the conservation of this unique species. #cincinnatizoo #conservation #animals #babyanimals
Wow, we have to admit we’re impressed by these first steps! Very soon after birth, these rare, giraffe-like animals begin to walk, taking careful and gentle steps on their spindly legs. This youngster’s natural agility is simply awesome!
Related: Zoo Atlanta Shares Sweetest Video of Baby Orangutan Bonding with Mom
Any animal birth is a valid reason to celebrate. However, this specific baby’s birth and health are especially important because the okapi are in danger of extinction, and every living member of the species plays a role in their longevity.
Okapi conservation is struggling
Okapi face an uncertain future as people from all over try to preserve the species, which has been hurt by logging and development, poaching, and civil unrest. Like the Cincinnati Zoo, many American, European, and Congolese institutions are working together to protect wild populations and breed captive okapi.
However, much of the conservation work at needs to be done is blocked by illegal armed groups in the Congo. These groups prevent conservationists from reaching a section of the okapi’s natural habitat and monitoring their progress. Plus, the poaching and illegal hunting done by these armed groups certainly don’t help the preservation of the species either.
Okapis are native only to a small part of central Africa, found in northeastern forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Their small geographic range coupled with these other threats does not bode well for them. An endemic species like okapi are already at greater risk of extinction because of their geographic limitations.
There are still groups working hard to protect the remaining members of this species, though. In addition to the zoos all over the world who take care of the captive members of this species, the Okapi Conservation Project and Okapi Wildlife Reserve are doing their part to protect the wild okapi in the Congo.
The elusive nature of the okapi makes their population number hard to nail down. Regardless, we know that Mokonzi’s birth and first steps are a beacon of hope to animal lovers everywhere. The Cincinnati Zoo is stepping up!
