Breeding boost for zoo as okapi gives birth

Okapi calf
Okapi calf and its mother Lodja at Bristol Zoo Gardens. Photograph: Peter Budd/Bristol Zoo Gardens/PA

A rare African animal related to the giraffe has been born in a UK zoo. The okapi calf was born three weeks ago at Bristol Zoo Gardens after a gestation period of over 14 months. The brown and white striped female weighed 16kg (35lbs) at birth after a successful introduction between the zoo's female okapi, Lodja, aged eight, and male Rubani, 14. Keepers had hoped Lodja would breed with two previous male okapis, but she did not conceive until being introduced to Rubani, an experienced breeding male. There are 13 okapis captive in the UK, so the new arrival is a boost to the breeding programme.