Chester Zoo welcomes rare African ‘unicorn’ calf
The birth of a rare okapi calf, one of Africa’s most elusive mammals, has been captured on hidden CCTV cameras at Chester Zoo.
The calf was born in the early hours of 6 May to mum Ada and dad Stomp, following a 14-month pregnancy.
The footage shows the newborn falling dramatically to the ground before clambering to its feet minutes later and taking its first wobbly steps — a moment witnessed by very few in the world.
Zookeepers have confirmed the calf is male and named him Miloli, meaning ‘Joy’ in the Bantu language spoken in central Africa.
After spending the first few weeks in a quiet nest, the shy youngster has gained confidence and recently ventured outdoors for his first time.
His distinctive black and white striped legs, resembling socks, provide camouflage as he explores alongside his mother.
Okapis are native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and were unknown to western science until 1901, earning them the nickname ‘African unicorn’.
They are the national symbol of the DRC but have suffered a population decline of over 50% in the last 20 years due to illegal hunting, habitat loss, and civil conflict.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the okapi as Endangered on its Red List of Threatened Species.
Fiona Howe, Lead Keeper at Chester Zoo, said: “The birth of an okapi is always a very special occasion and cause for celebration. To watch mum Ada calmly welcome Miloli into the world and gently encourage him to his feet was nothing short of magical. It offers a rare insight into one of nature’s most secretive species.”
She added: “Miloli has spent the first weeks bonding with his mum in a quiet nest, with Ada foraging nearby and periodically returning to feed him. Now, he is following the stripes on his mum’s hind legs and venturing outdoors to explore their habitat together.”
Sue Walker, Head of Science at Chester Zoo, highlighted the zoo’s ongoing conservation work: “Our scientists have supported okapi reproduction for over 15 years. By analysing hormones from faecal samples, we confirm behavioural changes and learn more about their biology. These findings support the international breeding programme aimed at preventing okapi extinction.”
The zoo also works with partners in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to monitor and protect wild okapi populations, including supporting the Okapi Conservation Project in the Ituri Forest.
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