Okapi calf takes its first steps outside
Neo, who was born to mother Ruby in December 2025, stepped out into the spring sun.
09 March 2026
Ruby had been sent to Chester Zoo in 2023 to breed with their male Stomp, as part of the breeding programme for Okapi in Zoos across Europe, and returned to YWP in 2024 when she was several months pregnant.
The birth of another Okapi at YWP is a real boost for the endangered species.
Kyrie Birkett, Section Head of Hoofstock at the award winning park said: "It was amazing to see Neo take his first steps into his new enclosure.
“He was nervous at first but has settled in quickly and is enjoying his new environment.
“During the first few weeks, the calf hid in a nest and only emerged to feed and interact with Ruby.
“He then nested inside for a few months before stepping out into the sunshine today.
“Neo can be seen outside, weather permitting! Otherwise, visitors can spot him in the house through a viewing window.
“We were delighted to welcome a baby Okapi!
"We are really lucky to have Okapis at YWP, they are such an incredible and beautiful species which need protecting.
"We are so happy with how Ruby has already contributed to the breeding programme.
"Her first calf Mzimu was born in October 2021, and was the first Okapi calf successfully bred at the park."Mzimu has now joined the breeding programme at another zoo. It is so exciting to see Ruby with a new calf! She is an excellent mother and is very protective of her new baby.”
The 175-acre park, at Auckley, near Doncaster, is one of the few places in the UK where these traditionally shy and reclusive animals can be seen.
They can grow to almost five-foot-tall at the shoulder with an average body length of eight feet, weigh up to 350 kilograms and can live up to 30 years.
The Okapi, with its distinctive striped markings, is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Sometimes known as the forest giraffe, Okapi are the closest living relative to the giraffe. They are under severe threat from poachers, logging, illegal mining and unrest in their native areas of the northeastern rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, which outs conservation at the heart of all its activities, offers an unrivalled walk-through experience coming almost face-to-face with some of the world’s most beautiful and rare species including Amur Tigers, Giraffes, Black Rhinos and Polar Bears.
The Yorkshire Wildlife resort boasts The Hex Wildlife Hotel and The Yorkshire Hive, a shopping, dining and entertainment village.