Rare baby okapi born at British zoo hailed as major boost for endangered species Story from Jam Press (Baby Okapi Boost) Pictured: Neo. Rare baby okapi born at British zoo hailed as major boost for endangered species A rare baby okapi is being hailed as a major boost for the endangered species after being born at a British zoo. The adorable calf, named Neo, has now made his first public appearance. He was born to mum Ruby in December but has only just ventured out into his new enclosure. Often known as the forest giraffe , okapis are mammals native to the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are famous for their striking striped legs, which resemble those of a zebra. The animals can grow to almost five feet tall at the shoulder and h