Zookeepers threw a coming-out party for the baby calf of an okapi couple—a rare birth of ‘one of the least known and understood species on the planet'.

Known as the forest giraffe, the endangered mammal was born at Chester Zoo on May 12 to a 10-year-old mother and a 20-year-old male named Stomp.

The adorable calf, named Arabi, has been snuggled up in a nest behind-the-scenes but has now taken her first tentative steps outside at six-weeks-old.

Heartwarming photos and the video below shows the leggy youngster exploring her enclosure for the first time with some gentle encouragement from mum.

Conservationists hope the birth will shed new light on this shy and elusive species, which is classified as endangered, but was only scientifically discovered in 1901.

Arabi's namesake is a village located in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, inside the only country where okapi are found—the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa.

It's estimated that fewer than 10,000 remain in the wild, living in the dense rainforests in the DRC where their zebra stripes act as camouflage.

The English zoo and its partners say the new arrival will be considered a ‘vital' part of the global population.

"Every birth is incredibly special indeed," said Hannah Owens, an okapi keeper at Chester Zoo. "Mum has been doing a fantastic job of feeding and nurturing her calf every day."

Mike Jordan, animal and plant director at the zoo, added: "The arrival of this okapi calf is not only a cause for celebration but also a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to the conservation and protection of this charismatic species.

"Through our continued efforts, we hope to inspire others to join us in safeguarding these remarkable creatures."

The okapi is the national symbol of the DRC and is protected under Congolese law. However, habitat loss, poaching, and prolonged periods of conflict have made conservation more challenging.

"Despite that, we've been supporting okapi conservation in the region for nearly 20 years and are now part of a global 10-year long project, in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, to develop an action plan and investigate ways that we can help the last remaining populations thrive."

Conservation experts from Chester Zoo are now caring for a total of six okapi living in the UK. Check out the latest baby pictures below…

SHARE the Adorable Video With Animal Lovers on Social Media…