Zoo

Zoo Okapi Conservation Programme Welfare

Okapis are secretive forest ungulates maintained in zoo collections as insurance against extinction, with welfare depending on stress management and social isolation needs.

Key Facts

Okapis are solitary in the wild and require management as individuals in captivity
The okapi is classified as Endangered with a declining wild population in the DRC
Zoo okapis are particularly stress-sensitive and require quiet, low-disturbance environments
The Okapi Conservation Project funds both in-situ conservation and captive management

Welfare Considerations

Okapis are prone to stress-related illness in captive settings. Inappropriate housing design, high visitor volumes, and inadequate keeper contact can all compromise welfare. Management protocols must prioritise low-stress husbandry.

What You Can Do

Support the Okapi Conservation Project and its work in the DRC
Advocate for okapi welfare standards that address their stress-sensitivity
Engage with zoo breeding programmes that link captive management to wild conservation