Sacramento Zoo has announced the birth of a unique male okapi, named Moki, who is growing rapidly and is becoming increasingly curious about his surroundings. Moki weighs around 113 kilos, and the zoo encourages visitors to come and greet him, highlighting the excitement surrounding this event with a video posted on their official Facebook page. This birth is particularly significant because the okapi is a protected species and classified as endangered.

The okapi, often described as the 'forest giraffe,' shares a common ancestor with modern giraffes dating back approximately 16 million years. Fossil records of the okapi lineage trace back about 5.5 million years. Unlike the giraffe, okapis have a shorter neck and distinctive reddish-brown coats with white and black stripes on their legs, which serve as camouflage within their dense rainforest habitat. The species is known for its solitary and timid nature as well as its long tongue, which aids in feeding.

The birth of Moki not only brings attention to the vital conservation efforts surrounding this remarkable species but also serves as a hopeful reminder of the importance of wildlife preservation. As Moki continues to thrive, his existence emphasizes the need for continued protection of okapis and their natural habitats, resonating with conservationists and the public alike.