Sukari the Okapi at 10 Days
Posted at 1:53 pm July 23, 2007 by John Michel
Sukari, our newest okapi calf (see John’s blog, A VERY Welcome Arrival: Okapi Calf), underwent her neonate exam two days after she was born. This involves taking her temperature, drawing a small amount of blood for the lab to look at, weighing, and checking her over carefully to make sure she is in the best state of health. Being a robust young calf, she weighed in at a solid 57.8 pounds (26.2 kilograms), her blood work was described by the attending veterinarian, Dr. Tracy Clippinger, as “fabulous,” and no abnormalities were found.
Suffice it to say, however, that holding onto this bundle of flailing legs and head for the 10-minute procedure was a real test of stamina for keeper Jama Kasowicz (pictured) and me. I was thoroughly drenched in sweat, and Jama has bruises on her arms and legs.
At eight days of age, on July 18, I weighed her again, and she had gained a respectable 11.7 pounds (5.3 kilograms). Okapi calves grow remarkably fast, often tripling their birth weight by eight weeks of age, so Sukari is well on her way to that plateau.
We have been working with this youngster every day, starting by simply spending time with her, graduating to rubbing her all over and letting her acclimate to the people taking care of her. Her mother, Safarani, is always nearby and watches us, but our rapport with her is strong and trusting, and she has indicated no difficulty with us being around the calf.
Halter training will begin as soon as she is big enough for the smallest halter, and in a few weeks, if all goes as well as it has to this point, Safarani and Sukari will venture out into the exhibit. We’ll give you as much advance notice as we can in case you’d like to witness her debut.
John Michel is a senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo.
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July 23rd, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Has Sukari every met Kelly, Biscotti, or Kidomo?
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Sukari has so far only been with her mom, Safarani. We know that Kelle, our other adult female, will accept Sukari very readily so that will happen in a very few weeks on exhibit. Kidomo, our 17-month-old male, is scheduled to move to the Oklahoma City Zoo soon to join their breeding program. As for Biscotti, adult okapi are largely solitary. He is no exception; he loves the company of adult females when they are in a state to conceive but he could be too much for a calf Sukari’s age. In all liklihood they won’t be sharing the same space at the same time.
July 23rd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Sukari is so sweet and beautiful – and growing like a weed it seems!
July 24th, 2007 at 5:10 am
These are the most unusual looking creatures. Every part of their body looks like a different species. It is like nature could not make up its mind. Their markings are quite beautiful. I was extremely surprised to learn they are solitary animals.
July 24th, 2007 at 9:08 am
She is growing fast, and looks like a very alert girl. Sorry about your bruises Jama, but holding such a magnificent creature is worth the challenges isn’t it?
Glad you are able to gain her trust at such a young age. It should help prevent similar bruises as she grows up.
July 24th, 2007 at 6:27 pm
Beth-We often refer to the okapi as ” the animal put together by a committee.” Where they occur naturally, in Central Africa, the vegetation is very dense so two things about their appearance work strongly in their favor. First, the stripes help break up a solid form among the plant life and help them blend into their surroundings. Second, they often hold a position for a long time, maybe only chewing cud for hours, and lack of movement does not attract the attention of potential predators. Also, being a solitary animal has tremendous advantage: If you’re the only one out there, the likelihood of being detected is much smaller than if you’re one of many.
October 1st, 2007 at 9:57 am
Jama,
How is Sukari doing now? Is everything with her development on pace?