Okapi Conservation: Protecting the Forest Giraffe of the Congo

The okapi is one of the most unusual and elusive large mammals on Earth, found only in the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where political instability and hunting threaten its survival.

Key Facts

Okapis are the only living relative of the giraffe and were unknown to Western science until 1901
They are classified as Endangered by the IUCN with an estimated 10,000-35,000 individuals remaining in the wild
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve in the DRC covers 13,700 km2 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but faces ongoing threats
Okapis are solitary and shy; they communicate through infrasound and scent marking rather than vocalisation
In zoo settings, okapis are sensitive to stress from noise, unfamiliar people, and disruption of routine
The Okapi Conservation Project works with local communities in the DRC to protect the species and support conservation rangers
Armed groups and mining operations in the Ituri Forest area threaten both the species and conservation staff
Captive okapis are managed under a Species Survival Plan with approximately 100 animals in accredited facilities

Welfare Considerations

Zoo okapis benefit from intensive welfare management given their extreme shyness and sensitivity to disturbance. Facilities with well-designed indoor spaces that allow retreat from public view, consistent handling routines, and minimal disruption achieve better welfare outcomes. Okapis in zoo settings that provide naturalistic environments with visual complexity and appropriate social management (limited to mother-offspring pairs and careful adult introductions) show fewer stress-related behaviours. The conservation case for zoo okapi populations is significant — with DRC facing ongoing instability, captive insurance populations provide genetic security. However, the welfare of individual zoo animals must not be sacrificed for conservation goals; these objectives are best aligned through high-quality welfare-centred husbandry.

What You Can Do

Support the Okapi Conservation Project, which funds ranger training, community development, and habitat protection in the DRC
Advocate for stable political and security conditions in the DRC as a prerequisite for effective wildlife conservation
Visit accredited zoos with welfare-certified okapi programmes to support conservation funding
Learn about okapi biology and conservation and share information to raise awareness of this little-known endangered species
Support organisations working to protect the Ituri Forest and its communities from illegal mining and armed conflict