Celebrating World Okapi Day 18th October

Marwell Zoo in Winchester, Hampshire is marking World Okapi Day on October 18 with some exciting news – the birth of a new endangered okapi calf.

Born to mother, Daphne on 10 September 2025, the arrival marks the third okapi birth at the zoo in just three years and calf number 18 overall.

Zoe Newnham, Hoofstock Keeper, said: “We’re so excited to have another okapi birth here at Marwell.

“This amazing achievement is a testament to the skill and dedication of the zoo’s animal care team and their success within the EAZA Ex-situ Breeding Programme (EEP), helping to support this endangered species.

“Our team works hard to ensure the okapi’s have the best care, while closely replicating their wild habitat.

“Before the arrival of the new calf, we created a dark, warm, cosy area known as a ‘creep’ to give mum, Daphne, space and privacy with the newborn, just as okapi would in the wild.

“Daphne’s a fantastic mum and this calf is already showing signs of being curious and confident.”

To allow Daphne and her calf plenty of peace and quiet, the okapi house will remain temporarily closed, but guests will still be able to see the other okapi in the neighbouring habitat.

Zoe added: “In the wild, okapi calves spend their first 40 to 60 days hidden away in their creep nesting. During this time, okapi calves have evolved to not defecate, as any scent may attract predators, keeping them safe in their nesting period.

“To support this natural behaviour, we keep human interaction to a minimum and give mum and baby as much privacy as possible. This helps reduce potential stress and allows them to bond undisturbed." 

The calf will remain indoors through the colder months, only venturing outdoors when temperatures rise in the spring. Visitors will need to be patient as young okapis often stay hidden and quiet until they gain confidence.

Often called the forest giraffe, the okapi is known for its striking zebra-like stripes and gentle nature. Despite their resemblance to zebras, okapis are the closest living relatives of the giraffe.

A fun fact about the Okapi is that their tongue can be up to 30 centimetres long – long enough to lick every part of its body – they love to lick their own eyeballs!

Marwell Zoo is home to more than 150 species, from endangered Amur tigers to Rothschild giraffes and plays a vital role in international conservation breeding programmes.

Discover more at www.marwell.org.uk