Zoo Animal Welfare

Zoo Okapi Welfare: Shy Forest Dwellers in Captivity

Okapis are secretive forest ungulates from the Congo Basin that require quiet, forested enclosures and careful management to maintain welfare in zoo settings.

Key Facts

Okapis are the only living relative of giraffes, sharing their long prehensile tongue
They are naturally solitary and intensely shy, communicating through infrasonic vocalizations
Okapis are Endangered with populations declining due to civil conflict and deforestation in the DRC
Calves spend the first two months hiding in dense vegetation while mothers forage at a distance
Okapis have scent glands on their feet that deposit scent marks for territory communication

Welfare Considerations

Okapis are among the most stress-sensitive animals in zoos due to their naturally secretive nature and strong flight responses. Heavily planted, visually complex enclosures that allow animals to avoid visitor view are essential. Acoustic management to reduce loud visitor and machinery noise supports welfare. Their Endangered status means captive breeding programs carry significant conservation importance alongside welfare mandates.

What You Can Do

Support the Okapi Conservation Project working in the Ituri Forest of the DRC
Advocate for zoos to invest in naturalistic, low-visibility enclosures for shy forest species
Raise awareness about DRC civil conflict as a key driver of okapi population decline