Potter Park Zoo welcomes a unique animal to the family

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — A new and diverse animal has arrived at the Potter Park Zoo, an okapi named Elombe.

According to officials with the zoo, Elmobe is a five-year-old male who arrived from another AZA ( Association of Zoos and Aquariums ) accredited zoo. Visitors can see Elmobe in the Okapi Forest Exhibit near the red pandas.

The okapi is an elusive species native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa and is often referred to as the ‘forest giraffe’ because of its long neck and striped legs.

The zoo says okapis were first discovered by Western scientists in the early 20th century and have become an icon of African wildlife.

The Potter Park Zoo welcomes everyone to view this unique mammal. For more information, visit the website here .

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