Meet Southeast Asia’s First Okapi Baby at Rainforest Wild Adventure!

Rainforest Wild Adventure has welcomed a historic new addition: the very first okapi calf born in Southeast Asia.

Venue: Hidden Forest, Rainforest Wild Adventure East, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729825
Opening Hours: Daily 9.00am–6.00pm (Last entry at 5.00pm)
Admission:

• WildPass Local Rates: S$45 (Adult) | S$32 (Child aged 3 to 12 & Local Students) | S$25 (Senior Citizens aged 60+)

• Standard Admission: S$55 (Adult) | S$39 (Child aged 3 to 12)
  

Singapore's nature-loving families have a sweet new reason to visit Mandai! Rainforest Wild Adventure has welcomed a historic new addition: the very first okapi calf born in Southeast Asia.

Born on 27 July 2026 to first-time mother Kisala (7) and father Xandor (4), the healthy male calf weighed about 20kg at birth and has since more than doubled his size to 48kg. The arrival is a landmark milestone for Mandai Wildlife Group and the EAZA Ex situ Programme (EEP), an international conservation initiative protecting this endangered African species.

Help Name the Okapi Baby!

Mandai Wildlife Group is inviting the public to help pick a name for the newborn calf. You can cast your vote on Facebook or Instagram (@MandaiWildlifeReserve).

The three name options, drawn from African languages, are:

• Imara: Meaning "strong" in Swahili, symbolizing resilience and growth.
• Mayaka: Meaning "pearl" in Lingala, representing a precious gift.

• Kiah: Meaning "dawn" or "new beginnings" in Swahili.

What Families Can See at Hidden Forest

If you are planning a family trip to spot the new baby, head straight to Hidden Forest inside Rainforest Wild Adventure East.

• Mother & Calf Enclosure: Kisala and her calf have recently been given access to their outdoor habitat. Because okapi calves naturally retreat to stay hidden during their first few months, the park has installed a live 'baby monitor' feed near the enclosure, allowing families to catch a glimpse of the calf resting inside his secluded off-exhibit den even if he isn't stepping outside.

• Daily Okapi Ranger Talks: Want to teach the kids more about these mysterious animals (often dubbed the "African unicorn")? Catch the daily keeper talks at 10.30am and 3.00pm, where animal care team members share fun facts about okapis—such as their long, flexible blue tongues and relation to giraffes.

More New Animals to Spot in Rainforest Wild Adventure East

Beyond the okapi family, the newly expanded East zone features two other fresh habitats:

• Red Ravine: Spot the newly arrived sitatunga, a swamp-dwelling antelope with striking vertical white stripes.

• Lemur Land: Keep an eye out for two new species debuting progressively by November—the red-bellied lemur and crowned lemur—bringing the total to four lemur species leaping through this Madagascan-themed rainforest.

Okapi Treats & Keepsakes

To celebrate the occasion, families can enjoy okapi-themed goodies across the park starting from October:

• Okapi-Inspired Desserts: Treat the kids to a striped blueberry and mascarpone entremet cake, available at Rangers Pitstop, Rangers Retreat, and Owa Bistro (Mandai Wildlife East).

• Exclusive Merchandise: Pick up okapi plushies, tumblers, and lanyards at the Rainforest Wild Adventure East Retail Shop.

BYKidO Tip: Okapis are naturally elusive creatures, and calves spend much of their early days resting still. Manage your children's expectations by letting them know they might see the baby via the live den monitor rather than outdoors. 

Photo credits: Mandai Wildlife Group