World Okapi Day 2025: Communities and Supporters Unite for a Global Celebration

World Okapi Day 2025 brought remarkable energy and enthusiasm to communities living in and around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and to supporters around the world who joined in from afar. Each year on October 18, this special day shines a light on the okapi, an irreplaceable species found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2025, the celebration grew even stronger, reflecting a powerful shared commitment to protecting the okapi and its habitat in the Ituri Forest.

Across six villages—Nduye, Bandisende, Bafwakoa, Selesele, Nepoko, and Malembi—students, women’s groups, Indigenous Peoples, and community leaders came together for a lively program of conservation-focused activities. From artistic competitions and educational conferences to traditional performances and spirited sports events, each gathering helped inspire local pride and deepen understanding of why safeguarding the okapi matters for future generations.

Supporters worldwide amplified the celebration on social media, sharing photos, messages of support, and personal stories about why this elusive forest species deserves a secure future. Their participation helped elevate World Okapi Day into a global moment of unity for conservation.

To explore photos, event highlights, and the full story from every community, we’ve put together a complete World Okapi Day 2025 Recap.

Read It Here

Together, we continue to build a brighter future for the okapi—and for the people who share its forest home.