October 18
World Okapi Day
Celebrate World Okapi Day — A Global Holiday for Okapi Conservation
World Okapi Day is an annual celebration of one of the world’s rarest and most extraordinary animals. Found in the wild only in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the okapi is a national icon and a unique part of the country’s extraordinary natural heritage.
But the okapi's future is inseparable from the future of its rainforest home. Despite being legally protected since 1933, okapi continue to face threats from habitat loss, illegal mining, and poaching. Protecting okapi means protecting the forests they depend on and, in turn, the remarkable biodiversity, natural resources, and local communities that share these forests.
That’s why World Okapi Day was created— a day of pride, connection, and action for the okapi, the rainforest, and the people who call it 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 Celebration
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 2026 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 2026, you’ll be investing in meaningful conservation education and the future of one of the world’s rarest species.
Thank Your To Our 2026 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.