How to Train an Okapi at San Diego Zoo

Okapi keepers work with the animals to form trust, which helps keep them calm during health exams and treatments.

he okapi is an endangered species, and San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG) is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Okapi Species Survival Plan. We exchange animals with other AZA-accredited breeding institutions to maintain genetic diversity in the North American population. SDZG also contributes to conservation efforts in the okapi’s native forest habitat by supporting the Reserve de Faune a Okapis in the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This reserve occupies about one-fifth of the Ituri Forest and is home to about 5,000 of the estimated 30,000 remaining okapi. Luckily, you can see okapis any day of the week at the San Diego Zoo and the Safari Park.

Full story: http://bit.ly/SDZOkapi

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