Zoo Okapi: Caring for the Forest Giraffe

The okapi is one of the world's most secretive large mammals — related to giraffes but resembling a zebra-striped deer. In zoos, providing adequate welfare requires understanding their rainforest ecology and shy, solitary nature.

Key Facts

Okapis (Okapia johnstoni) are found only in the Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of Congo
They are the closest living relatives of giraffes, sharing long blue-black tongues used to strip leaves from branches
Okapis are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List — population estimates range from 10,000-35,000
They are largely solitary and shy, relying on camouflage in dense rainforest to avoid predators — primarily leopards
Okapis have scent glands on their feet that mark territory as they walk — chemical communication is important to the species
They are hindgut fermenters consuming large quantities of leaves, grasses, and fungi in their natural habitat
The Okapi Conservation Project in DRC works to protect the species and its rainforest habitat

Welfare Considerations

Okapis in zoos are sensitive to management conditions that deviate from their quiet, rainforest lifestyle. As naturally solitary, shy animals, they are easily stressed by noise, unfamiliar people, and inappropriate social housing. Unlike many zoo species, okapis are not gregarious and may experience chronic stress if forced into close proximity with incompatible individuals. Their dietary needs require access to browse — fresh leafy branches — to maintain gut health and satisfy foraging motivation. Enclosures should provide visual screening from high-traffic areas and complex, varied terrain. In AZA facilities, the Okapi Species Survival Plan coordinates breeding and welfare monitoring across participating institutions to maintain a genetically healthy and behaviourally appropriate captive population.

What You Can Do

Support the Okapi Conservation Project working to protect wild okapis and the Ituri Rainforest
Visit AZA-accredited zoos with documented okapi welfare programmes including browse provision
Reduce consumption of products linked to DRC deforestation — palm oil, certain minerals — that destroy okapi habitat
Donate to rainforest conservation organisations protecting the Congo Basin ecosystem
Avoid purchasing illegal wildlife products or curios made from protected Central African species
Advocate for zoo standards requiring appropriate social management and dietary provision for solitary species