Get ready to swoon over a creature that looks like a majestic mashup of a zebra and a giraffe. Rainforest Wild Adventure has just welcomed the very first okapi calf born in Southeast Asia. The thriving baby arrived on the morning of July 27, 2026, to first-time parents Kisala (age 7) and Xandor (age 4). Born under the EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP) for threatened species, this endangered “African unicorn”—native to the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and known as the closest living relative of the giraffe with its long, flexible tongue and ossicones—is already making giant strides. Here’s what we know about Rainforest Wild Adventure’s new addition.
What to know about the rare okapi baby
Following an epic 440-day gestation period, the calf weighed about 20kg at his first weigh-in and has since bulked up to a healthy 48kg, gaining nearly a kilogram a day at just under two months old.
Wonderfully, Mandai Wildlife Group care team built a quiet calving box to mimic the wild, where newborn okapis stay perfectly hidden and scentless to avoid predators. Interestingly, the calf spends a lot of time out of sight because he is slowly getting used to his habitat. However, visitors can watch him on a live baby monitor feed, see dad Xandor in a nearby habitat, or learn more at the daily Okapi Ranger Talks at 10.30am and 3pm.
Excitingly, Singaporeans can get involved in this historic milestone by helping name the new arrival via a public vote on Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
There are three Africa-inspired name choices: Imara (Swahili for strong, courage, resilience, and growth), Mayaka (Lingala for pearl, symbolising a precious gift), and Kiah (Swahili for dawn, new beginnings, or start of the season).
Additionally, there’ll be special okapi-themed celebrations at the park this October. For instance, tuck into a okapi-themed entremet cake—layered with blueberry, mascarpone chantilly, and cassis—at Rangers Pitstop, Rangers Retreat, and Owa Bistro, while picking up exclusive plush soft toys, tumblers, and lanyards at the retail shop. The perfect outing for animal lovers!
