New arrival at Marwell Zoo (From Hampshire Chronicle)
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New arrival at Marwell Zoo
1:06pm Wednesday 6th August 2008 in News
MARWELL Zoo near Winchester has named a rare okapi calf Hazina, meaning valuable in Swahili.
The name reflects how rare the animals are, with 100 at zoos across Europe, while their numbers in the wild are hard to estimate because they are so elusive.
Their natural habitat is the tropical rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Sir Harry Johnston, the British explorer, was the first European to see one in 1901. With stripes on their hind quarters and upper forelegs, they closely resemble zebras, and are the nearest known relative to giraffes.
After a pregnancy lasting more than a year, Hazina was born in June, and now has a name as well.
Okapi are difficult to breed in captivity, so the keepers at Marwell are delighted with the birth.
Head keeper, Simon Hawker, said: "We are all ecstatic that after such a long pregnancy Hazina and mum are both strong and healthy, and have already formed a strong bond.
"We are delighted that our latest baby is a female, although every healthy okapi calf is a great addition to the captive population, helping to secure the future of this rare and mysterious species."
