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Connect with us: https://www.facebook.com/unsupportedbrowser https://www.facebook.com/unsupportedbrowser http://twitter.com/sdzsafaripark https://sdzsafaripark.tumblr.com/ A four-week-old okapi calf at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is ready to explore his outdoor habitat. Until now the male calf, born on Jan. 18, has been spending time in the okapi barn and outside yard. But after showing signs of curiosity, staff provided the calf and his mother, Makini, access to the main forested habitat, which is viewable by guests. The young okapi, named Amaranta, cautiously explored and walked around his shady habitat with his mother as he experienced the excitement of being in the new environment. The calf, which now weighs around 100 pounds, observed as his mother ate hay and acacia browse that keepers had placed in feeders around the exhibit, simulating grazing opportunities that okapi would experience in the wild. "I felt he did great for his first time. It can be very intimidating coming out here into such a large exhibit with the trees and other animals," Lissa McCaffree, senior keeper at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park said. "He was a little nervous at first but quickly calmed down and started to explore and run around with his mom." The male calf was born to experienced mother, Makini, and first time father, Amare. Keepers say that Makini is very attentive and she enjoys grooming her calf and licking his ears. This young okapi is very active and described as being friendly toward people, even seeking out attention from his keepers. Animal care staff at the Safari Park work closely with the okapis to ensure they have a strong, trusting bond with their keepers. The okapi calf and his mother will be on exhibit Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is the 41st okapi calf born at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The Safari Park has taken a leadership role in conservation awareness through its ongoing support of the Okapi Conservation Project. This project provides wildlife protection, alternative agriculture methods and community assistance in the Democratic Republic of Congo.