The Brookfield Zoo just welcomed two new furry friends—and you can visit them this spring!
Brookfield’s newest residents include an Okapi originally born at the zoo ten years ago, and a baby klipspringer calf.
Here’s everything to know about the critters and when you can pay them a visit.
Meet Will the Okapi
The first of the zoo’s new friends is actually a returning resident!
Will the Okapi was born at the zoo back in 2015 before relocating to the Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana.
Now, Will is back at Brookfield on a breeding recommendation to help support the longevity of the okapi species.
Here are some fun facts about the creatures according to the zoo:
- Often called “forest giraffes,” okapi are the only living relatives of giraffes.
- The animals are native to the dense forests of central Africa.
- Their signature white stripes serve as camouflage amongst the tree-filtered light of their native habitat.
- Like giraffes, okapi have long blue tongues.
- Unlike giraffes, okapi have notably large ears.
Zoo welcomes baby klipspringer
Also new at the zoo is a 3-month-old klipspringer calf.
Klipspringers are a species of small antelope native to the rocky terrain of eastern and southern Africa.
Brookfield’s newest baby klipspringer was born on January 2 and is now acclimating to his habitat alongside his mother and sister.
A few fun facts about the antelopes according to the zoo:
- Klipspringers use whistles to communicate with one another and alert to predators.
- Their hooves are rubbery and flexible, allowing them to nimbly balance on rocky surfaces.
- The animals also have strong hind legs, allowing them to leap high in the air.
Both Will the okapi and the baby klipspringer are on view now at the zoo’s Habitat Africa! exhibit.
Click here to learn more information and plan your next visit to the Brookfield Zoo.