Safeguarding a Living Legacy
The okapi, often called the “ghost of the forest,” is one of the world’s most elusive and endangered species. Found only in the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Africa, this living fossil is threatened by poaching, illegal mining, and deforestation.
But with your support,
we can change that.
Our Mission is to conserve okapi in the wild and under human care in DRC, while preserving the region's biodiversity and cultural heritage.
We envision a future where the okapi population—currently estimated at just 3,000—grows and thrives within the Okapi Wildlife Reserve.
Why okapi?
There are only an estimated 10,000 okapi left in the wild and the numbers are decreasing. The okapi is the national symbol of DRC and the focal species for its efforts to protect the exceptional diversity of life within its ancient forests.
Every day, the okapi face new threats from illegal mining, poaching, and conflict.
Protecting the okapi and the Ituri Rainforest is critical to safeguarding the ecosystems that regulate Africa’s climate and rainfall. When these forests are threatened, the effects are felt worldwide—fueling climate instability, raising pandemic risks, and endangering the natural resources all wildlife and people depend on.
This is not just a crisis for the Congo.
It's a crisis for the world.
We can solve this crisis together.
Discover Okapi at These Local Zoos and Support Conservation Efforts.
John Lukas, President and Founder, OCP
“For the world, the loss of the okapi would be the loss of a unique forest giraffe that has lived on earth for 7 million years, the last large mammal discovered in Africa by Western science and the symbol of all natural life in DRC.”
Berce Disiki Nsafuansa, Director of Conservation
"The preservation of the okapi is an issue of ecological sovereignty for the DRC.
This places the country at the center of international conservation attention.”
Making an Impact Since 1987
Founded in 1987, the Okapi Conservation Project has been protecting okapi and the Ituri Rainforest through long-standing partnerships with communities, government, and conservation partners.
We’re on the front lines of conservation, working everyday to safeguard the okapi and its habitat through direct protection, community partnerships, and advocacy. We're addressing the root causes of poaching and deforestation, while restoring critical forest areas.
13,700 km² of Primeval Rainforest Protected
The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR), located in the heart of the Ituri Rainforest, is a vital area for okapi survival. This primeval ecosystem has remained largely unchanged for millions of years, preserving ancient biodiversity. The rainforest is home to diverse wildlife, including other endangered species, and thousands of unique plant species, many with medicinal properties. It also supports Indigenous communities who have lived in harmony with its wildlife for generations, while playing a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate.
330 Rangers Deployed by ICCN
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Thousands of Livelihoods Improved
Sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry, education, and health care.
60% Drop in Poaching
Dedicated protection efforts have reduced poaching incidents by over half
50+ Community Programs
Initiatives in education, farming, and women’s empowerment support both people and the planet.
20+ Global Partners
Collaborating worldwide to scale conservation efforts and drive lasting change.
Make a Contribution
Support Okapi Conservation Project today and help protect the endangered okapi and their rainforest home.