The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is home to a unique and fascinating species – the okapi. Also known as the “forest giraffe” or “unicorn of the forest,” these elusive creatures are the only living relatives of the giraffe, and their presence at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers visitors a rare opportunity to learn about and appreciate these remarkable animals.

Conservation Efforts at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is actively involved in the conservation of okapi through its support of the Okapi Conservation Project (OCP). In 2020, the zoo’s members voted to support OCP’s community outreach program, which promotes local education and encourages co-existence between okapis, their habitat, and local villages. The OCP’s agroforestry program has distributed over 65,000 kg of seedlings and over 62,000 kg of food seeds to more than 900 farmers in the region, empowering local women and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Okapi Exhibit and Experiences at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

While specific details about the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s okapi exhibit are not provided in the sources, the zoo offers various experiences and events related to okapi conservation. One such event is the Giraffe & Okapi Conference, held in collaboration with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. This conference brings together professionals and enthusiasts to discuss topics related to giraffe and okapi welfare and conservation.

Membership and Conservation Vote

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo members have the opportunity to participate in the annual Member Conservation Vote, which contributes $75,000 to conservation projects worldwide. In 2021, CMZoo members voted to support okapi conservation through the OCP’s community outreach program.

Quantifiable Details about Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Okapi

References

• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (2021-02-24). Work to Protect Wild Okapi Continues Thanks to CMZoo Members. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/news/archive/work-to-protect-wild-okapi-continues-thanks-to-cmzoo-members/
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Giraffe & Okapi Conference – CMZoo. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/international-center-for-the-care-conservation-of-giraffe/giraffe-okapi-conference/
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Okapi Archives – CMZoo. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/news/archive/animal/okapi/
• ZooChat. (2010-11-30). Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 2010 – Okapi. Retrieved from https://www.zoochat.com/community/media/cheyenne-mountain-zoo-2010-okapi.128299/
• Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. (n.d.). Featured Animals – Okapi – CMZoo. Retrieved from https://www.cmzoo.org/animals/a-z/featured-animals-okapi/.