Okapis are rare, shy forest ungulates closely related to giraffes. Their naturally solitary nature and sensitivity to disturbance create distinctive welfare challenges in captive settings.
Okapis present unusual welfare challenges because their natural lifestyle — solitary, quiet, dense forest — is difficult to approximate in an institutional setting. Pair or group housing can cause conflict, yet complete isolation denies olfactory and proximity social cues. Exhibit design must prioritise sound buffering, visual barriers from the public, deep substrate for foraging behaviour, and browse stations offering species-appropriate variety. Calves should remain with mothers for extended periods rather than being weaned early for exhibit management convenience. Stress indicators including foot-stamping, vocalisation, and inappetence must be monitored with keeper logs and, where possible, physiological cortisol measurement.