World Okapi Day

Deep in the heart of Africa hidden in the dense jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo, lives the mysterious and enigmatic okapi. Although a respected cultural symbol of the only country in which it is found, its livelihood is threatened by slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal gold mining and bushmeat poaching, despite its protected status since 1933.

The day is centered around celebrating this special animal and using it as a flagship species to protect the entire forest ecosystem in which it lives. Fun, exciting activities are normally planned in six villages around the Okapi Wildlife reserve and are combined with educational messaging targeting key demographics including children, women, Mbuti Pygmies and communities in and around the Reserve. Join us in our effort to educate local communities and protect the endangered okapi!