World Okapi Day 2025: A Celebration of Conservation, Community, and Heritage
Each year on October 18, communities across the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) join together to honor the okapi, a rare and irreplaceable species found only in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2025, the Okapi Conservation Project (OCP) led a dynamic, multi-day celebration across Nduye, Bandisende, Bafwakoa, Selesele, Nepoko, and Malembi, engaging students, women’s groups, Indigenous Peoples, community leaders, and thousands of local residents.
Through education, performance, and friendly competition, World Okapi Day helped reinforce a shared commitment to protecting the okapi and its fragile habitat in the heart of the Ituri Forest.
Community Mobilization and Preparations
Beginning October 14, OWR field teams carried out extensive preparations in each village, meeting with education authorities, women’s associations, Indigenous representatives, youth organizations, and local leaders. A large okapi banner was placed in the busiest location of every community to raise visibility for the upcoming celebration. These early efforts ensured a collaborative, village-wide commitment to the event.
Youth Drawing Competition: Inspiring the Next Generation of Okapi Guardians
On October 17, OCP organized a drawing competition for secondary school students aged 16–18. Selected students gathered in classrooms across all six locations. Under the supervision of OWR staff and school officials, each student produced an original drawing focused on the okapi, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and the importance of forest conservation.
Three winners from each village received education support grants ensuring that their creativity directly contributed to their continued schooling.
Opening Ceremonies and Okapi Conservation Conference
World Okapi Day began with a formal ceremony led by local authorities, followed by a short conference held in all six sites. Speakers highlighted:
Why October 18 is globally dedicated to the okapi
The creation and mission of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve
The value of the okapi at the Epulu Wildlife Center (Epulu Zoo)
The threats facing okapi populations, including habitat loss, poaching, and armed groups
The shared responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard the OWR and promote peaceful conservationIn Bandisende, a full PowerPoint presentation deepened understanding of okapi ecology and the importance of coordinated conservation efforts.
Street Parades: Community Pride for the Forest
After the conference, each community held a vibrant street parade. Students, women’s associations, Indigenous groups, authorities, and motorbike riders marched through their towns while carrying a banner. Along the route, OWR staff broadcast awareness messages on okapi protection, forest preservation, and community stewardship.
Bottle-Filling Competition: Fun, Teamwork, and Conservation Awareness
Ten girls and ten boys from secondary schools in each village competed in a unique and lively bottle-filling race. Students raced across the football field, using only their mouths to gather water and fill their assigned bottles. Every participant received a World Okapi Day t-shirt, and winners earned tuition support, small radios, and school bags printed with okapi conservation messages.
Traditional Dance: Celebrating Cultural Heritage
Indigenous Peoples—the earliest custodians of the okapi’s forest home—were honored with a dedicated place in the celebration program. Their traditional dances and songs expressed deep cultural ties to the Ituri Forest and highlighted the longstanding coexistence between local communities and the okapi. Each Indigenous group received financial support in recognition of their role and participation.
Women’s Football Match
Women’s groups played a prominent role throughout the celebration, culminating in spirited football matches in all six locations. Winning teams earned $150 and opposing teams received $120 to support their associations. These games promoted women’s leadership as essential to community conservation efforts.
A United Commitment to Protect the Okapi
World Okapi Day 2025 brought together thousands of people, from students, teachers, women’s groups, elders, Indigenous leaders to local authorities from across six communities. Their participation reflects the deep pride and responsibility shared by those living around the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Through education, cultural celebration, and community leadership, these events strengthen the long-term protection of the okapi and the Ituri Forest. The Okapi Conservation Project is proud to work alongside these committed partners as we safeguard one of the world’s most unique and treasured species.