When: Anually, October 18.
October 18 is World Okapi Day since 2016. It’s an international attempt to draw attention to the Okapia johnstoni, the “living fossil.”
History
The day was established in 2016 to draw attention to the Okapia johnstoni. This animal we know as the okapi. The day was an initiative of the Okapi Conservation Project and other conservation organisations. The day aimed to draw attention to okapis and their habitat.
Special animals
Okapis have the physique of a horse and the stripes of a zebra. The physique is also related to a completely different animal, the giraffe. Hence, besides the nickname “living fossil”, another nickname for the okapi is the “forest giraffe”. That name makes sense when you consider that the animals live in the rainforests of the Ituri forest in northeastern Congo. All in all, they are extraordinary animals.
Okapis are very shy and live solitary lives. Their diet consists of leaves, buds, tree bark and fruit. Because of this diet, the okapi is important in spreading certain seeds, thus preserving the rainforest’s vegetation. Unless the animals’ habitat is degraded too much, deforestation degrades this habitat. In addition, animals fall prey to poachers and illegal meat trade. Furthermore, large-scale opencast mining should not be forgotten. Coltan, a mineral used in various electronic devices, is one of the causes that drastically reduces the okapi’s habitat.
As is the case for many animals, climate change has a significant impact on the okapi’s habitat. The rainforests are at risk of disappearing not only through direct human activity. Climate change also threatens the rainforests. This threatens to make the okapi an animal that can only be admired in a zoo. However this depends on a programme to breed the animals in captivity.
Importance of this day
World Okapi Day is not just about learning about these interesting animals. The importance of World Okapi Day goes beyond the animals themselves. It is also about raising self-awareness when it comes to our habitat. The day therefore sees events organised by zoos, conservation organisations and local communities worldwide to raise awareness about animals and raise funds for conservation efforts.
An important aspect of World Okapi Day is education. Through information campaigns, workshops and educational programmes, people learn about the ecological and cultural value of the okapi and the need to protect its habitat. These educational efforts target both children and adults and help inspire a new generation of conservationists.
Protection efforts
The Okapi Conservation Project plays a central role in protecting the okapi. Established in 1987, the project works with local communities, the Congolese government and international partners to protect the okapi and its habitat. The project’s efforts include patrolling protected areas, fighting poaching, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce deforestation.
In addition, the project focuses on improving the living conditions of local communities through education, healthcare and economic development. By involving local people in conservation efforts and providing them with alternative sources of income, the project contributes to the sustainable protection of the okapi and its habitat.
Possible activities on this day
Below are some options for possible activities on the day.
Visit a zoo
Many zoos organise special events and educational activities on World Okapi Day. Visit a zoo near you to learn more about the okapi and the efforts being made to protect it.
Donate to conservation projects
Consider donating to organisations such as the Okapi Conservation Project. Your contribution can help fund patrols, educational programmes and other conservation efforts.
Create awareness
Use social media to raise awareness about the okapi. Share information, photos and videos about the okapi and the threats it faces. Use hashtags such as #WorldOkapiDay and #OkapiConservation to spread your messages.
Recycle electronic appliances
By recycling old mobile phones and other electronic devices, you can help reduce the demand for coltan and thus reduce mining activities in the okapi's habitat.
Education
Organise or participate in educational workshops and presentations on the okapi and conservation. By informing others, you can help create a broader base of support for conservation efforts.
World Okapi Day, October 18
World Okapi Day is a good time to reflect on these special animals. The unique beauty and importance of the animals rightly take centre stage on this day. On the other hand, there is also the need to safeguard their habitat. Raising awareness for this is therefore necessary. This is part of October 18, World Okapi Day.
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