Rainforest Wild Adventure welcomes first okapi born in South-east Asia

: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Ariel Quek Updated Sep 24, 2026, PM Set as preferred source Listen Summarise Rainforest Wild Adventure in Singapore welcomed the first okapi calf born in Southeast Asia on July 27, now weighing 48 kg and gradually exploring its outdoor habitat. The okapi is an endangered species native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a long gestation period of about 440 days and elusive calf behaviour. Mandai invites the public to name the calf and celebrates its birth with themed offerings; the park also plans to introduce more species including sitatunga antelope and new lemurs by 2026. AI generated SINGAPORE – Rainforest Wild Adventure on July 27 welcomed the arrival of an okapi calf, the first to be born in South-east Asia. Mandai Wildlife Group said on Sept 24 that the male calf, born to first-time parents Kisala, seven, and Xandor, four, currently weighs 48 kg – more than double its birth weight. PHOTO: MANDAI WILDLIFE GROUP As the calf may retreat to the off-exhibit den, a “baby monitor” providing a live feed is available for visitors wanting to catch a glimpse of it. Those who wish to learn more about the species can join the daily okapi ranger talk at the park, held at 10.30am and 3pm. The okapi, a highly elusive species closely related to giraffes, is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, and are cared for by only a handful of zoos worldwide. According to Mandai, the calf’s parents came to Singapore under the EAZA Ex situ Programme, a coordinated breeding programme for threatened species. “After Kisala was paired with Xandor, we observed changes in her appetite and body condition and began preparing for the possibility of a pregnancy,” said Tang. “An ultrasound in July confirmed she was expecting a calf, which was an exciting milestone for the team.” Okapis have one of the longest gestation periods among hoofed mammals, lasting around 440 days or 14 to 15 months. Calves naturally spend most of their early days hidden and still to avoid being detected by predators, with mothers returning only a few times a day to nurse. Mandai has invited members of the public to help name the calf . They can choose from three names inspired : Imara, meaning strong in Swahili; Mayaka, meaning pearl in Lingala; and Kiah, meaning dawn, new beginnings or start of the season in Swahili.