Denver Zoo Celebrates Birth Of Rare Okapi
DENVER (CBS4) – A rare okapi has been born at the Denver Zoo.
"Jabari", a male calf, was born to mother, "Kalispell," and father, "Sekele," on Feb. 3.
Zoo officials said it was only the sixth birth of the species at the zoo.
"Jabari will remain behind the scenes for a short while longer, but visitors will soon be able to see the youngster as he grows and becomes more self-sufficient," zoo officials said in a statement.
According to the zoo, okapis look "like a cross between zebras and giraffes," and "is the only living relative to the giraffe."
The animals have long necks, reddish bodies and black-and-white striped legs, as well as 12-inch, purple, prehensile tongues.
"Adult okapis weigh between 500 and 700 pounds and stand approximately five feet tall at the shoulder. Females are generally larger than males. The okapi's gestation period is between 14 and 15 months."
This rare species was only first discovered about 100 years ago.
LINK: Denver Zoo
