Birth of rare African 'unicorn' at Chester Zoo caught on camera
The okapi has been named 'Miloli', meaning 'Joy' in the Bantu language
A birth of one of Africa's rarest animals has been caught on camera at Chester Zoo!
The okapi was born to mum Ada and dad Stomp, following a 14-month pregnancy.
The zoo's CCTV footage showed the calf being born and falling to the ground, before clambering to its feet and taking its first wobbly steps!
The calf has been named Miloli, which translates to 'Joy' in Bantu, a family of languages spoken in central Africa.
Such is their elusiveness, he okapi was undiscovered to modern science until 1901.
They are found only in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Fiona Howe, Lead Keeper at Chester Zoo, said:
"The birth of an okapi is always a very special occasion and cause for celebration, but to have the privilege of being able to watch on as mum Ada calmly welcomed her new baby into the world and gently encouraged him to his feet, was nothing short of magical.
"The footage we've captured offers a special insight into one of nature's most elusive and secretive species.
"Mum Ada...is doing everything perfectly so far"
"Miloli has spent his early weeks of life tucked away in a quiet nest area, bonding with mum Ada. During the day, she'd head off and forage for food nearby periodically returning to feed her new youngster with milk - she's a doting mum and is doing everything perfectly so far which is just great to see.
"Though Miloli appears to be wearing black-and-white striped socks, these patterns play important roles - acting as camouflage and assisting young okapi in following their mothers in the forest.
"Now that's developed confidence, Miloli has just started to follow the stripes on his mother's hind legs as she leads him out of the nest to explore together for the first time."
The okapi is the national symbol of the DRC and is protected under Congolese law. Despite this, its population has declined by more than 50% over the last 20 years -driven by illegal hunting for their meat and skins, widespread habitat loss and the civil conflict in the country.
The species has been classified as endangered by The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, said:
"Our scientists have been supporting okapi reproduction for more than 15 years. By using the latest technologies to test hormones in okapi faecal samples, we can confirm the observations and behavioural changes recognised by the zookeepers, and in the process learn more about the species and their biology.
These findings have already been used to support the wider international conservation breeding programme that's safeguarding okapi populations from extinction."
The zoo's experts are also working alongside partners at the Uganda Wildlife Authority to conduct surveys for okapis in Semuliki National Park, which borders the DRC in Uganda.