
London Zoo names their new baby okapi after Meghan Markle
By: Meaghan Wray
Since Meghan Markle and Prince Harry announced their engagement back in November, the rise of babies being named after the royal-to-be is predicted to skyrocket – but what about newborn baby animals? The London Zoo has just announced that an okapi has been born, and its name is – surprise! – Meghan.
WATCH: @zsllondonzoo has a new baby okapi, and they've named it Meghan to celebrate the upcoming royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. READ MORE: https://t.co/Vm0GF5UW5qpic.twitter.com/kdRy3VZjdQ
— AP Europe (@AP_Europe) January 18, 2018
Zookeeper Gemma Metcalf , one of the women helping to raise the adorable creature, thinks this is a wonderful chance to shed light on the danger of the animal’s looming extinction, “[It’s] a great opportunity to draw attention to the okapi, which is an extremely endangered species,” she shared with AP News.
We don’t know who should be more honoured by the naming – Meghan or the baby okapi! The animal is a stunning mixture of a zebra and giraffe, often referred to as the forest zebra. Its hind legs are covered in black-and-white stripes, while its neck and head relate more closely to its long-necked ancestor. Originally hailing from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, these cuties have been raised in captivity due to their extremely endangered status.
The former Suits star is likely thrilled to have her name used for a great cause, considering she’s such a passionate animal lover herself. While living in Toronto, the star adopted two pups, Bogart and Guy, of whom she shared adorable moments on her Instagram before recently deleting her social media accounts. Unfortunately, one furry friend had to stay behind when she moved to London. Jason Knauf, Harry’s communication secretary, shared the news, saying: “Bogart is now living with very good friends and Guy is now in the UK. Bogart is not coming.”