Okapis are shy, solitary forest ungulates from the Congo Basin requiring dense habitat simulation and minimal disturbance for good welfare in zoo settings.
Okapi welfare is fundamentally about minimising disturbance and replicating the dense forest environment they evolved in. Open, exposed enclosures that force okapis into continuous visitor visibility cause chronic stress. Dense planting, visual barriers and areas where okapis can choose to be out of sight are welfare essentials. Keeper relationships based on routine and calm interaction reduce baseline stress levels significantly.