North American Okapi Population

Smaggledagle said:
A (1.0) okapi named Theo was born in June at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge in Florida to Unnamed x Olivia.

Disney's Animals, Science and Environment
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From an Instagram photographer’s story, it appears that (1.0) Theo was transported over to the nearby Disney’s Animal Kingdom (Park) at some point recently. With his arrival, this should bring the park’s numbers up to (I believe?) three males and two females. Though, feel free to correct me if that’s not the exact answer.
 
 
 
JustADrunkenTiger said:
Subira at San Diego Zoo has given birth!
13 reactions | Experienced Okapi mom Subira had a baby last night! Mom and baby both appear to be doing great. This is the first time she has given birth out on habitat. Lucky us getting to see this baby so young! | Liz Sauer
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Amazingly, Subira’s calf is confirmed to be a girl!!!

[EDIT]
ZooGirlSD said:
The Zoo sent out an insider alert email announcing that Okapi Subira’s calf is a girl! I’m including another photo because she is so cute and I’m very excited for this news!
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IndianRhino said:
Kivuli at Sacramento Zoo is pregnant!

SacramentoZoo on Instagram: "You may have noticed that Kivuli, our female okapi, is a little larger than normal. Kivuli is actually pregnant! Okapi gestation is typically 15 months, so Kivuli is currently being monitored around the clock by our animal care team and our veterinary staff as we await Kivuli's first calf! Currently, guests can still see Kivuli in the side yard at the back of the okapi habitat. This is an exciting time as a baby okapi would be a first for the Sacramento Zoo. Although okapi births can have many potential risks, with Kivuli being cared for by our world-class veterinary team, we are hopeful and optimistic."
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Kivuli gave birth to a healthy male calf on October 9th! That makes 4 births this year (so far) with 2 males and 2 females.

SacramentoZoo on Instagram: "The Sacramento Zoo is excited to share that on October 9, Kivuli, our female okapi, successfully gave birth to a healthy male okapi calf! This is the first okapi birth in Sacramento Zoo history. Kivuli and the calf are healthy. The pair will be off exhibit and not visible to the public for the next few weeks, to give both mom and calf time to adjust. Our animal care team and veterinary staff are observing the two closely during this period, and human interaction is limited to essential staff at this time. Okapi are Endangered according to the IUCN, with an estimated wild population between 10,000 to 15,000. The closest living relative to the giraffe, okapi are found in central Africa. The Sacramento Zoo works with the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for okapi, which works with institutions to sustain okapi populations in North America. Within AZA, there are less than 100 okapis across around 30 institutions. This birth is not just an important milestone for the Sacramento Zoo, but a key contribution to AZA’s SSP and global conservation. This successful birth reflects teamwork across our animal care team, veterinary staff, facilities staff, horticulture team, nutrition, development, and leadership."
 
Asili, at Audubon Species Survival Center, is pregnant and due within the next month or so with her second calf!

Audubon Nature Institute on Instagram: "Today is World Okapi Day and we have some exciting news to share! Asili, an eight-year-old female okapi at Audubon Species Survival Center is expecting! She’s currently 15 months along, and okapi pregnancies typically last 14–16 months, just like their closest living relative, the giraffe. Okapi are found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are among the world’s oldest (and most mysterious) mammals. Often called “forest giraffes,” they are listed as Endangered, and every birth matters. Because these animals are so elusive, scientists don’t know exactly how many remain in the wild, but estimates are alarming: populations may have dropped by 50% in just the last 20 years. That makes Asili’s pregnancy especially meaningful for the future of the species. Asili previously gave birth to a female calf in 2022, who sadly survived only a few months. As an experienced mother, she is expected to care for her new calf without human assistance, though our animal care team will be monitoring closely to ensure the health and safety of both mom and baby. Audubon has been a leader in okapi conservation through the Association of Zoos & Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan since 2017 and currently cares for five okapi on 26 acres at the Species Survival Center. And there’s even more good news - next week, Audubon Species Survival Center is hosting the International Okapi Conference, welcoming conservation leaders from eight countries and 31 zoos to advance global efforts to protect this remarkable species."
 
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