Okapi welfare in zoos addresses the unique needs of this forest-adapted species closely related to giraffes, with specific requirements for diet, social structure and environmental conditions.
Okapi welfare management requires deep knowledge of a species that is rarely encountered in zoos and has relatively limited research on captive behavior. Their solitary nature means that social housing requires careful management — okapis are not as tolerant of conspecifics as more social species. Their sensitivity as prey animals means that environmental design must minimize unexpected stimuli and provide retreat options. Feeding management that replicates the selective browsing of wild okapis provides important enrichment and cognitive engagement. Foot care is a specialized welfare concern, as the transition from rainforest substrate to captive surfaces creates hoof problems requiring regular professional management.