Okapis are elusive forest relatives of giraffes found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Zoo populations are vital for this endangered species threatened by armed conflict and poaching.
Zoo okapi welfare requires forest-like exhibit environments with shade, visual barriers providing retreat opportunities, and diverse browse species. Their solitary nature means individual housing between managed breeding introductions is appropriate. Temperature and humidity management in facilities outside tropical environments is important for this forest-adapted species. The extraordinary browse diversity they utilize in the wild — over 100 plant species — cannot be fully replicated but species variety should be maximized. Their infrasonic communication means welfare assessment using behavioral observation may miss important social signals. Armed conflict in DRC makes wild okapi conservation extremely challenging, increasing the importance of zoo populations for genetic conservation while field programs work under difficult conditions.