Extraordinary: endangered Okapi born in Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Safaripark Beekse Bergen is celebrating the birth of an Okapi. This species, found in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is threatened with extinction. With this birth, Safaripark contributes to the European management program for this species. This aims to create a healthy reserve population in zoos of endangered species, such as the Okapi.

The young Okapi came into the world last week, May 8. "With a birth, it's always a bit exciting," says head zookeeper Christian Meurrens. "But it's going super, both mother and cub are doing well." The male has been named Beni. The young animal will stay in his maternity nest for the next few weeks. However, visitors can already admire Beni via a TV screen.

Forest Giraffe

The Okapi is also known as a "forest giraffe. This is because it is closely related to the giraffe and lives in the dense rainforest. It has a fairly long neck and stands high on its legs. The Okapi is a bit smaller than the giraffe, though.

Okapis can be recognized by their dark red, brown or black fur with white stripes on the buttocks and legs, which are especially reminiscent of a zebra. The stripes are unique in each Okapi, much like a fingerprint in humans. This is how a mother and her young recognize each other in the rainforest. A calf is born after a gestation period of about 14 months. An adult animal is about 2.5 meters tall and weighs between 200 and 350 pounds.

Conservation of the Okapi

Safaripark Beekse Bergen has been committed to the conservation of the Okapi for several years. Within European zoos, there is a management program for this species. This aims to create a healthy reserve population of wildlife endangered species, such as the Okapi.

In addition to the management program, Beekse Bergen is also committed to okapi conservation by, through Stichting Wildlife, the Okapi Conservation Project support. This project aims to protect the tropical rainforest where this species lives.

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