Super-cute baby okapi born at zoo - but what exactly is it?

There's excitement at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo in Florida after a rare okapi calf was born on 6 January - the first okapi birth of the year in the North American population.

But what exactly is an okapi, you might (reasonably) ask? Well, it's forest giraffe that's only found in Central Africa - and it's ridiculously adorable, isn't it?

The now three-week-old calf (who has grown to 96 pounds from 64 at birth) spends his days nursing, sleeping and following mother around the barn.

Just discovered in the 20th century, these large hoofed mammals are found in the rainforests of northern, central and eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The species is a shy and reclusive forest-dweller and is the only living relative of the giraffe.

VP of animal science and conservation, Dr. Larry Killmar said: "We are very pleased with the successful birth and are delighted that Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo has contributed to the long term sustainability of this unique species."

See more gorgeous baby zoo animals here:

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