CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo announced the name of their one-week-old baby okapi.
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The okapi has been named Mokonzi, which is Lingala for prince, king, or position of honor, according to a social media post by the zoo.
Okapis are native to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Lingala is a major language spoken there.
On Sunday, Dec. 17, the zoo’s okapi Kuvua gave birth after a 15-month-long gestation, according to another social media post.
“The calf is strong and looks healthy!” the post said.
At five days old, zoo veterinarians conducted a neonatal exam and determined Mokonzi was a male.
Okapis are currently endangered species, according to the zoo’s website.
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“Each okapi birth is significant for the conservation of this unique and rare species,” the post said.
These mammals can live up to 16 years and grow 8 feet tall. They are relatives of the giraffe, according to the zoo’s website.
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