This photo was taken from the White Oak Conservation Center on Friday June 29, 2012. Two Okapi calves were born at their facilities this week. They haven't been named yet, but probably will be within the week. These births come on the heels of the Tragedy in Epulu, Africa where 13 Okapi were slaughtered during a raid by poachers at the Okapi Wildlife Refuge facilities in the Congo.

The births would have been special on normal conditions, but somehow after the tragedy, it really means something to see new life to this rare species. It brings hope that they will survive, even after such attacks.

Regarding the OWR in Epulu, the director of the Okapi Conservation Project has nearly collected $50k in donations in just 48 hours after opening the fund to help the families rebuild their homes and supplies in the village. The Houston Zoo also held a benefit over the weekend to help with the aid as well. I do not have the numbers from that benefit yet, it just ended Sunday night. I wish Brookfield Zoo in Chicago could have done the same. I would have attended it, Okapi fursuit and all.

If you can and if you want, the donation fund is still open. Make your contribution to: https://www.WildNet.org/support/ click on okapi on the pull down menu.