The Okapi Conservation Project welcomed a new addition during the recent holidays. A male okapi calf
was born at the Epulu Station, DR Congo on December 21 and is being well cared for by his mother.
There was initial concern as this calf is smaller than normal but mother and calf have settled into a
comfortable routine and she nurses him several times daily.
This is the eleventh okapi calf born in Epulu since the inception of the Okapi Conservation Project in
1987. The calf’s mother “Tayari” 16 and father “Isa” 19 were also born in Epulu and this calf represents
an important second generation of okapi born at the breeding and research station.
The Epulu Station is the headquarters of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (13,760 km2) operated by the
Institute in Congo for the Conservation of Nature (ICCN). The Okapi Conservation Project works in
partnership with ICCN providing critical support for wildlife protection and engaging local communities
in stewardship of their forest heritage and natural resources.
The okapi in Epulu, at White Oak Conservation Center, and in zoos around the world serve as important
ambassadors, introducing visitors to the mysteries of the okapi and its life and home in the African rain
forest. We celebrate this birth as a welcome holiday gift for Okapi Conservation Project staff and Okapi
Wildlife Reserve wardens and rangers, who work diligently to protect the okapi and wildlife in the Ituri
Forest of the DR Congo.
For more information on the okapi and the Okapi Conservation Project, or to support our efforts, visit
www.okapiconservation.org.

On December 6, Ibana gave birth at Wilhelma Zoo Stuttgart. Mother and calf are doing well.

On September 4, Makini gave birth to a female calf at San Diego Zoo's Safari Park (Wild Animal Park). It's the first surviving female calf born in 11 years.

Photo Credits: Ken Bohn and San Diego Zoo Safari Park

On October 13, okapi Luani moved from Bristol Zoo to Copenhagen Zoo.

On October 11, the renovated okapi building was opened at Wuppertal Zoo. In addition to the renovation of the outside enclosures, a large stable has been added. This stable can be used when the okapis have no access to the outside enclosures, provides walking space and public viewing.

Photo Credits: Sander Hofman