Okapi Conservation Project

2011 Annual Report

Meredith — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:07:37 +0000

The 2011 Annual Report has been published.

If you would like to read it online, just visit our news section.

Loss of Mbuti “chief” Makubasi

Meredith — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:20:41 +0000

With great sadness the Okapi Conservation Project reports the recent death of Mbuti pygmy “chief” Makubasi. One of our closest and longest partners in the DR Congo, Makubasi and his Mbuti family group lived at the Epulu Station and worked with the Okapi Conservation Project since its inception in 1987. Early on Makubasi grasped our objectives concerning conservation in the Ituri Forest and as a leader in the local Mbuti community he assisted the Okapi Conservation Project in our efforts, particularly for the care of the okapi in Epulu and with tourism. Over the years he and his family shared their way of life with many visitors passing through the Epulu Station. His knowledge of the forest and his leadership abilities were great assets to our work, helping provide a variety of forest leaves to feed the okapi living on the Station, and thrilling guests with net hunts and overnight trips in the forest. Makubasi was a true “Little Big Man” and we are ever indebted to him, for his service and help to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and for enlightening us and accepting us as a good will ambassador to the Mbuti pygmies.

We are privileged to have known and worked with Makubasi all these years, but his birth date and thus his age were unknown to us. He raised nine children, five daughters and four sons and two of his boys continue working with the Okapi Conservation Project. Makubasi was buried in Epulu following his death last week.

The Okapi Conservation Project has established a fund in Makubasi’s name to provide food, health care, and basic school materials for Mbuti living in Epulu. To make a contribution to this fund, click here and please make a note of the fund in the Comments field.

Okapi Conservation Project Director Visits White Oak

Meredith — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:29:46 +0000

The director of the Okapi Conservation Project Rosmarie Ruf recently visited White Oak Conservation Center. Her schedule and long distance travel from Epulu, DR Congo, included meetings and planning for the coming year, picking up supplies and equipment for the Project, as well as some holiday celebrations and time with the animals and keepers at White Oak. Rosie, as she is affectionately known, has returned to Epulu and is working closely with Okapi Conservation Project team in their efforts to protect the okapi and other wildlife found in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Okapi SSP and EEP International Meeting

Meredith — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 17:08:56 +0000

White Oak Conservation Center and the Jacksonville Zoo recently hosted the international meeting of the Okapi SSP and EEP. Participants from zoos in the US, Europe and Japan traveled to Jacksonville to discuss okapi management in zoos and to coordinate support for the Okapi Conservation Project. Okapi Wildlife Reserve ICCN Director JJ Mapilanga also participated and provided the group with an update on the current status of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and the challenges of okapi and wildlife conservation in the DR Congo. Mr. Mapilanga enjoyed spending time at White Oak Conservation Center and meeting with all the attendees. Many zoos which hold okapi were present at the meeting, and we anticipate working more closely together to support the important work of Mr. Mapilanga and his forest rangers to protect the okapi and its Ituri Forest home.

The Okapi Conservation Project’s Fall Report is Here!

Meredith — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:01:20 +0000

The Okapi Conservation Project is happy to update you on our work. Read the updates in our News Section.

Welcome to the new OkapiConservation.org!

Meredith — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 14:15:00 +0000

We hope that you will find this site informative about the Okapi Conservation Project and its global impact.

Our Annual Report is Here

Meredith — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 17:52:38 +0000

The Okapi Conservation Project’s 2010 Annual Report is available online! Read all about the programs and impact of the Okapi Conservation Project: http://wocenter.org/documents/2010OkapiAnnualReport.pdf