Okapis are secretive, solitary forest ungulates whose welfare in captivity requires careful attention to their unique behavioural and social needs.
Okapi welfare in captivity hinges on their solitary, secretive nature. Unlike social ungulates, okapis do not find comfort in conspecific proximity — forced pairing outside breeding season can cause chronic stress. Their extreme sensitivity to novel stimuli means that exhibit design must prioritise escape routes, visual barriers, and keeper-approach predictability. Olfactory enrichment using browse and novel scents engages their well-developed chemosensory system. Water provision and humidity management are important for a forest species adapted to the Ituri's high-humidity environment. Facilities that invest in keepers who develop long-term relationships with individual okapis through positive reinforcement training achieve better health monitoring access and lower stress during veterinary procedures.