Meet the Team

PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

John Lukas is a lifelong conservationist with over four decades of leadership in wildlife protection. He served as the first director of conservation at White Oak Conservation Center and now guides strategic conservation initiatives at the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. John is the founder and president of the Okapi Conservation Project, supporting okapi and communities in the DRC since 1987. He also co-founded the International Rhino Foundation and Wildlife Conservation Network, and advises multiple global initiatives for endangered species, including SEZARC and GRACE for Grauer’s gorillas.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Larkin Johansen is a passionate conservationist and dedicated Administrative Officer at the Okapi Conservation Project. With a strong background in animal care, she previously served as Senior Bird Keeper at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and sits on the Advisory Board for the Marine Science Research Institute at Jacksonville University. Larkin combines administrative expertise with a deep commitment to wildlife preservation, helping bridge fieldwork and outreach.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS OFFICER

Angela Yang has over three decades of experience advancing wildlife conservation through community-centered approaches. She has lived and worked across five continents and dozens of countries with organizations including the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Zoological Society of London, and Rainforest Trust. She has led large multi-cultural teams and multi-million-dollar conservation initiatives from strategy through implementation.

But in the very beginning, Angela started her career as an okapi keeper so this species has remained close to her heart to this day.

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Kelly Russo holds a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science with a focus on ecology from Texas A&M University. With over 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, she has dedicated her career to advancing the mission of wildlife conservation.

Kelly has led impactful storytelling and outreach initiatives for esteemed organizations including the Houston Zoo, International Rhino Foundation, Houston Museum of Natural Science, and IUCN Tapir Specialist Group. Her work bridges science and public engagement, helping to raise awareness and inspire action for the world’s most endangered species.

ADVISOR

Ellen C. O'Connell has more than three decades experience in nonprofit governance, operations, and fundraising. She has managed budgets up to $650M and worked in 90 countries. Previous roles include VP at the International Rescue Committee, CEO of Tusk USA and Farm Sanctuary, and founding CEO of Ngaren: The Museum of Humankind in Kenya. Through her firm Sankhara Consulting, she advises conservation and humanitarian organizations. Ellen chairs the Wildlife Justice Commission Investigations and serves on multiple boards. She holds Masters Degrees from NYU and The New School, a BA from Georgetown, and certifications in nonprofit management and food sustainability.

IN-COUNTRY DIRECTOR

Conservation Project in Epulu. With no formal background in wildlife care, she began working hands-on with wild-caught okapis, quickly developing a deep connection to these remarkable and elusive animals.

Over the course of 38 years, her dedication, compassion, and resilience helped shape the foundation and growth of WCG/OCP. Through all the challenges and milestones, she has remained unwavering in her commitment—placing the okapi at the center of her life's work. Her story is one of love, perseverance, and lasting impact in the world of wildlife conservation.

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION

Berce Nsafuansa is the Conservation Director for the Okapi Conservation Project (OCP), based in Epulu in the heart of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. He holds a degree in Ecology and Animal Resource Management and has served with OCP since 2019.

Berce leads the coordination and implementation of key programs, including agroforestry, environmental education, infrastructure, and field operations. Committed to community-centered conservation, he works closely with local leaders to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods.

Inspired by the legacy of his father, a founding member of the project, Berce plays a vital role in safeguarding the okapi’s forest home and strengthening the link between conservation and community development.

MARFO COORDINATOR

Joséphine Abeda Nobikana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Development Economics and serves as Coordinator of the Mothers Friends of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve Associations (MARFO) with Wildlife Conservation Global.

Working across communities in Ituri and Haut-Uélé provinces, she oversees women’s training, community projects, and awareness campaigns that promote biodiversity protection, women’s rights, and economic empowerment.

Through her leadership, Joséphine is strengthening women’s role in sustainable resource management while supporting both conservation and community resilience.

ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE OFFICER

Mutahinga Mumbere Eleme has devoted more than 36 years to conservation at the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. He began his work in Epulu in 1989 as a zookeeper, where he developed a lasting bond with the okapi and a deep commitment to their care and protection.

Over the years, Mutahinga has advanced through key leadership roles, including Head Zookeeper, Administrative Director, Senior Warden Officer with ICCN, and currently Administration and Finance Officer with Wildlife Conservation Global. He has contributed to staff training, operations, logistics, and financial management.

His decades of service reflect a lifelong dedication to protecting the okapi and preserving the rich ecosystem of Epulu.

ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT

Born in Butembo, Julien holds a degree in Commercial, Administrative, and Financial Sciences with a specialization in Accounting. Since joining the Okapi Conservation Project, he has played a vital role in ensuring financial transparency, donor compliance, and strategic fund management.

His responsibilities include maintaining detailed financial records, managing grants from international and private donors, preparing audit materials, and advising on financial strategy. With his expertise, Julien helps safeguard the financial integrity of the project, ensuring that resources are used effectively to support ICCN’s mission to protect the Okapi Wildlife Reserve and its rich biodiversity.

AGROFORESTRY COORDINATOR

Born in the hills of North Kivu, Emmanuel has dedicated his life to sustainable agriculture and environmental protection. With a lifelong passion for botany, he pursued agricultural studies through university and began his career supporting organic seed production and reforestation efforts.

Since joining the Okapi Conservation Project in 2000, Emmanuel has worked closely with local farming communities to reduce deforestation through sustainable agroforestry practices. His efforts help preserve the forest—the natural habitat of the okapi—and support livelihoods that are in harmony with conservation goals.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Jean Paul began his conservation journey in 2001 as a ranger with ICCN in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, where he led anti-poaching patrols and served as a guide and law enforcement monitor. In 2010, he was awarded a WCN scholarship to study Environment and Sustainable Development, earning his bachelor’s degree in 2013.

Since joining the Okapi Conservation Project in 2014, Jean Paul has risen from educator to Program Coordinator, leading conservation education efforts across the region. He oversees planning, implementation, and reporting of awareness campaigns designed to engage communities in protecting the okapi and its habitat. Inspired by a childhood visit to the Epulu Zoo, his lifelong passion for conservation continues to guide his work in safeguarding this iconic species.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Mélanie Namele Alukunio is an environmental educator with the Okapi Conservation Project, working with communities in and around Wamba within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. A mother of two and a native of the region, she is deeply committed to conservation through community engagement.

Since joining OCP in 2022, Mélanie has led educational sessions and outreach activities that promote biodiversity protection, ecosystem stewardship, and the active involvement of youth and women in environmental action.

Through her work, she inspires greater awareness and encourages communities to play a lasting role in protecting the forest and the okapi.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Carine Makonga Ayengedju has served as a community educator with the Okapi Conservation Project since 2014. A mother of three, she is dedicated to raising awareness among communities living in and around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.

Her work includes hosting educational radio programs, leading seminars and school outreach, and conducting field visits that promote okapi protection, forest conservation, and responsible natural resource use. She also mentors women through the MARFO association in Mambasa, supporting empowerment and local leadership.

Through her outreach and mentorship, Carine helps strengthen the connection between healthy communities, thriving forests, and a sustainable future for the okapi.

HEALTHCARE COORDINATOR

Born in Ngandanjika and trained in both science and philosophy, Jean Claude Mulowayi Katalayi, holds degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and Nursing. Since 2003, he has served as the dedicated nurse for the Okapi Conservation Project, providing critical healthcare and emergency support to field teams working in some of the most remote and challenging environments of the Epulu region.

His work ensures the safety, health, and resilience of conservation staff and community members by delivering first aid, managing tropical diseases, promoting hygiene, and offering psychosocial support.

NURSE

Aimée Anzatepedanga Bamutunguo is a nurse at the Okapi Dispensary in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, where she has served local communities, Reserve staff, and their families since 2009. A mother of four, she is dedicated to improving health and well-being in this remote region.

Working with Wildlife Conservation Global (WCG), Aimée provides comprehensive patient care, including health assessments, nursing diagnoses, treatment administration, and ongoing monitoring. She also plays a vital role in disease prevention through health education, helping families adopt practices that support long-term wellness.

Through her compassion, professionalism, and commitment to service, Aimée strengthens access to essential healthcare—supporting healthier communities and contributing to sustainable development around the Reserve.

HYGIENE OFFICER

Lily Mbambu Mituho holds an A3 diploma from the Medical Technical Institute and serves as a hygiene officer at the Okapi Dispensary, operated by Wildlife Conservation Global in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. A mother of two daughters, she is dedicated to strengthening community health through prevention and education.

In her role, Lily welcomes and directs patients, oversees hygiene and infection prevention protocols, and monitors the sanitary conditions of the facility. She also provides education to patients and their families on essential hygiene practices, helping reduce the spread of communicable diseases.

Through her diligence and commitment, Lily plays an important role in improving the quality of care and safeguarding public health for communities living around the Reserve.