Okapi calf born at San Diego Zoo

SAN DIEGO, Ore. - for the first time in four years, a baby okapi was born at the San Diego Zoo.

Standing on wobbly legs, with an evident sense of curiosity, 3-week-old Mosi (pronounced MO-see) became the first okapi to be born at the San Diego Zoo in four years. He is also the first calf born to mom Mbaya and dad Amare—inspiring animal care staff to name him Mosi, which is Swahili for first-born. So far, he is a robust little guy who exhibits many of the same personality traits as his mom, including a calm and easygoing demeanor. Animal care staff said because of both animals’ relaxed temperaments, staff was able to build a trusting relationship with mom and baby that allows them to successfully provide necessary care, and the opportunity for both mom and baby to thrive. Okapis first came to the San Diego Zoo in 1956, and since then, there have been more than 60 births at both the Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Zoo guests can visit Mosi, his mom and the other okapis in their habitat along Hippo Trail in Lost Forest. Their exhibit is designed to let guests enjoy a good look at these beautiful animals without disturbing them.

An okapi, which is most closely related to the giraffe, stands close to five feet at the shoulder and is native to the Ituri Forest - a dense rain forest in central Africa near the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Its zebra-like white-and-black striped hindquarters and front legs give the okapi added camouflage in the partial sunlight that filters through its rain forest habitat.

Mosi, the first okapi born at the San Diego zoo in four years, is three weeks old and standing on wobbly legs with an evident sense of curiosity.

"This is her first half, and she is allowing us to interact with this calf because she trust us," senior keeper John Michael said of the mother, Mbaya. "It was a relationship we had developed for a long period of time prior to this calf being born."