October 18
World Okapi Day
Celebrate World Okapi Day — A Global Holiday for Okapi Conservation
World Okapi Day is an annual holiday dedicated to celebrating one of the rarest and most extraordinary animals on Earth. Found only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and recognized as a national symbol, the okapi is a living treasure of our planet’s biodiversity.
Yet despite its protected status since 1933, the okapi’s future is threatened by slash-and-burn agriculture, illegal gold mining, and bushmeat poaching. Protecting the okapi means protecting the entire rainforest ecosystem it represents.
That’s why World Okapi Day was created — a holiday of celebration, pride, and action for okapi and their rainforest home.
A Celebration in the Heart of the Forest
Each year on October 18, World Okapi Day comes to life across towns and villages surrounding the Okapi Wildlife Reserve. Local schools, community leaders, conservation partners, and government representatives organize a variety of activities that highlight the importance of protecting the okapi and the Congo’s incredible natural heritage.
The day is filled with:
Conservation education programs for children and families
Cultural performances and traditional music
Art contests and interactive activities for students
Recognition of the courageous ICCN rangers protecting the okapi and its habitat
For the people of the DRC, World Okapi Day is a chance to celebrate their national animal, honor the culture and traditions of the Mbuti, and take pride in their country’s unique natural heritage.
A Global Holiday
World Okapi Day isn’t only celebrated in Congo. Each year, zoos, schools, and conservation organizations around the world host events and awareness campaigns to inspire action for okapi. From educational talks and special exhibits to community festivals and social media campaigns, World Okapi Day unites people across continents in support of this rare species.
No matter where you live, you can take part in this annual celebration.
How You Can Celebrate
Spread the word: Share okapi facts, stories, and photos on social media using #WorldOkapiDay and #OkapiConservation.
Visit an okapi: Support accredited zoos and partners in North America, Europe, and Asia that help safeguard okapi.
Recycle your electronics: Old cell phones contain coltan, a mineral mined from okapi habitat. Recycling reduces pressure on the forest.
Support conservation directly: [Make a gift today] to protect okapi and their habitat. 100% of proceeds go to on-the-ground efforts.
Host your own awareness event: From classroom projects to community gatherings, get creative — and share your photos with us at info@okapiconservation.org
Help Us Make World Okapi Day 2025 a Success
Every year, more than 10,000 participants in the DRC — and countless more around the world — take part in World Okapi Day. The Okapi Conservation Project works hand-in-hand with communities, schools, and global partners to ensure this celebration inspires lasting conservation action.
Your support makes this possible. With your help, we can:
Provide educational materials and prizes that inspire the next generation of conservation leaders
Support logistics that bring communities together in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve
Expand community outreach that builds lasting pride and stewardship
Honor the brave men and women who risk their lives to protect wildlife in a region marked by conflict
By sponsoring World Okapi Day 2025, you’ll be investing in meaningful conservation education and the future of one of the world’s rarest species.
Thank Your To Our 2025 Sponsors
Want to spread the word? We’ve created a World Okapi Day Media Kit with photos, logos, and ready-to-use social media post suggestions. It’s an easy way to join the celebration and help raise awareness worldwide.
Together, we can turn celebration into lasting conservation.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact us.
World Okapi Day 2025
Commemorative Shoes
Celebrate conservation in style with our World Okapi Day 2025 Commemorative Shoes — a striking fusion of nature’s beauty and global unity.
One side showcases the okapi’s iconic chocolate-brown and cream stripes, flowing into vibrant blues and greens that echo our planet’s landscapes. The other side features a detailed Earth design paired with the World Okapi Day text, making your steps a bold declaration for wildlife protection.
Crafted for comfort and impact, these limited-edition shoes are more than footwear — they’re a movement. Every purchase directly supports the Okapi Conservation Project, funding wildlife protection, community education, and rainforest preservation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Lace up for wildlife and walk with purpose.
