The Brookfield Zoo in Illinois is home to a remarkable and endangered species – the okapi, also known as the “forest giraffe.” As a zoo touring enthusiast, you’ll be captivated by the unique features and conservation efforts surrounding these elusive creatures.
Physical Appearance and Adaptations
Okapis are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females have distinct physical characteristics. Females are slightly larger and taller than males, and males have horn-like ossicones, while females have bony bumps or hairy whorls. Their compact, dark brown bodies are marked with striking white stripes on the hindquarters, rump, and upper legs, which serve as a camouflage mechanism in the dense Ituri Forest.
Habitat and Behavior
Okapis are native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and thrive in the dense, lush Ituri Forest. They are solitary and elusive animals, making them challenging to observe in the wild. At the Brookfield Zoo, visitors can witness the okapis’ natural behaviors, such as their unique tongue-curling feeding technique and their ability to communicate through a range of vocalizations.
Conservation Efforts and Breeding Program
The Brookfield Zoo has been at the forefront of okapi conservation, with the first okapi birth in North America occurring at the zoo in 1959. The zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Okapi Species Survival Plan (SSP), which manages the breeding of the species to maintain a healthy and self-sustaining population. Since then, the zoo has had 27 successful okapi births, including the birth of a male okapi named Will in 2015.
Visitor Experiences and Adoption Program
Visitors to the Brookfield Zoo can learn about the okapi’s unique characteristics and the zoo’s conservation efforts through educational exhibits and signage. Additionally, the zoo offers an adoption program, allowing visitors to support the okapi conservation efforts by adopting an okapi at various levels of support, ranging from $35 to $2,000.
Visiting the Brookfield Zoo
The Brookfield Zoo is located at 8400 W 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513, and can be reached by phone at 708-688-8000. The zoo is open from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM (April 1 – September 30) and 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (October 1 – March 31). Admission prices vary by age and residency, so be sure to check the zoo’s website for the latest information.
As a zoo touring enthusiast, the Brookfield Zoo’s okapi exhibit offers a unique and captivating experience. From the species’ remarkable physical adaptations to the zoo’s conservation efforts, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these elusive and endangered creatures.
References:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hh2AWbTr-c
2. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/AdoptOkapiJP
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPa1iTxm2-o
4. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Okapi
5. https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/Brookfield-Zoo/About-%282%29/Press-Room/Press-room-old/2015-Press-Releases/Okapi-Calf-Born-at-Brookfield-Zoo.