Okapi are elusive forest ungulates rarely seen in zoos, and institutions holding them face unique challenges in meeting their behavioural, nutritional, and social needs in captivity.
Okapi present distinctive welfare challenges in captivity. As naturally solitary, forest-dwelling animals, they can find the social density and open spaces of zoo environments stressful. Their nutritional needs are highly specific, requiring diverse browse rather than simple hay-based diets. Institutions holding okapi must invest significantly in habitat complexity — dense vegetation, shade, mud wallows, and varied substrates — to support natural behaviour. Breeding programmes require careful social management, as males can be aggressive. The rarity of okapi in captivity means keepers often have limited experience, making inter-institutional knowledge sharing through the Okapi SSP (Species Survival Plan) critically important.