Zoo Okapi: Caring for an Elusive Forest Species

The okapi is one of the most enigmatic and rarely seen large mammals. Zoo populations play a crucial role in conservation of this vulnerable species.

Key Facts

Okapis are the only living relative of the giraffe, inhabiting the dense Ituri Rainforest of the DRC
Wild okapi population is estimated at 10,000-35,000 and declining due to hunting and habitat loss
Okapis are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List
They are solitary and secretive, rarely seen even within their home range
The Okapi Conservation Project works with local communities in the DRC on habitat protection
Captive okapis are held in fewer than 50 facilities worldwide through a managed Species Survival Plan
Okapis have a remarkably long prehensile tongue used for stripping leaves and self-grooming

Welfare Considerations

Okapis in zoo settings require careful welfare management given their solitary, secretive nature and specific dietary needs. They are naturally low-density animals accustomed to vast, undisturbed forest habitat, and the transition to captivity can cause chronic stress if enclosure design does not account for their need for seclusion. Providing visual barriers, naturalistic browse, and quiet visitor access protocols are important welfare considerations. The okapi's dietary requirements — primarily browse from a variety of tree and shrub species — must be carefully met in captivity where natural foraging is unavailable. Zoo okapi populations are genuinely important for species survival given the precarious wild situation, making welfare investment in captive management a conservation priority.

What You Can Do

Support the Okapi Conservation Project working in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Visit zoos with accredited okapi programs that prioritise species welfare and conservation
Learn about and share information on the threats facing okapis in the wild
Support anti-poaching initiatives targeting bushmeat hunting in Central African forests
Donate to tropical forest conservation programs protecting Ituri Rainforest habitat