World Okapi Day | Endangered Okapi Conservation | Threats to Okapis | Okapi Wildlife Reserve

World Okapi Day has been celebrated on October 18 every Year since 2016. It raises awareness about the endangered okapi and the threats to okapis. Okapis are also known as Forest Giraffe, Zebra Giraffe, Congolese Giraffe, and Ituri Giraffe. They only found in the Ituri rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Africa. Moreover, WOD raises awareness about Okapi Conservation and Threats to Okapis. In addition, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve is working to protect okapis under the Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). According to, Okapi Conservation Project an estimated 10,000 okapis remain in the wild.

Who created World Okapi Day?

The okapi conservation project (OCP) has established world okapi day in 2016. The Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission recognizes this day. The day was created to raise awareness about endangered okapi conservation, protection of their rainforest habitats and to highlight the threats to okapis.

Okapi Conservation and World Okapi Day

The okapi or forest giraffe is a national symbol of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Congoles Law and the Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature protect these forest giraffe. The Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN) is working to protect okapis in collaboration with the IUCN SSC Giraffe Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG). Besides, several international organizations are working to protect okapis. However, these organizations are working under the leadership of the Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). Certainly, the IUCN SSC Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group (GOSG) also supports them to protect okapis. Especially, they have created world okapi day to protect okapis.

World Okapi Day and History | Characteristics and Okapi Conservation Status 

Okapi Conservation Project (OCP)

The Okapi Conservation Project (OCP) established in 1987. This Okapi conservation Project protects okapi or forest giraffe and Ituri rainforests through partnership with government and conservation organizations. It also focuses on anti-poaching efforts, to stop illegal mining, habitat protection and deforestation.  Importantly, the ICCN has deployed rangers to protect okapis and collect data in the ituri rainforests. They patrol to monitor poaching and illegal agricultural expansion. As a result, poaching has reduced upto 60%. Notably, the OCP has played an important role in the establishment of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR)

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) is the most important site in the Ituri rainforests to protect okapis. This Okapi Wildlife reserve is located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the right bank of the Congo River. This is a UNESCO World heritage site. At this time, this reserve is home to almost 5000 okapis.  Moreover, this Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) covers almost 14,000 km² of rainforest.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has a ten-year partnership with ICCN to manage the whole Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR). Therefore, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and ICCN work together to protect okapis and their Ituri rainforest habitats. This okapi conservation project plays an important role to save the okapis. They celebrate World Okapi Day every year to raise awareness about endangered okapi. During this celebration, they conduct community events on World Okapi Day in the villages within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve to create awareness.

Global efforts to protect Okapis

Globally, zoos and conservation organizations play an important role in okapi conservation. The zoos & conservation organizations conduct educational programs to raise awareness about the threats to okapis and their habitats destruction.

Other okapi protected areas like Maiko National Park, Virunga National Park, The Usala Forests and Rubi-Tele Hunting Domain also play a crucial role in okapi conservation.

In addition, the okapis are also well protected in the Lomami National Park. The Lomami National Park is located on the left bank of Congo River. It covers almost 9000 square kilometers. In this reserve ICCN is working with the Frankfurt Zoological Society to protect the endangered species. Other okapi protected areas include Maiko National Park, Virunga National Park, The Usala Forests and Rubi-Tele Hunting Domain.

Threats to Okapis

This forest Giraffe lives only in the Ituri rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  They face many threats in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, these threats to okapis include deforestation, habitat loss, illegal mining, poaching, bushmeat hunting, human encroachment and climate change.

Furthermore, the illegal mining has widely spread into ituri rainforest. These mining operations destroy plants, disturb wildlife and pollute rivers. Although, Congolese law protects them but poachers continue to hunt them. These illegal activities are the major threats to okapis.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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