Comments on: How the Okapi Spends Its Day

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 07:25:59 +0000

The Okapi is my favorite animal and the first time I saw one was at the San Diego Zoo! They are such interesting and unqiue animals and I think that is why I am so interested in them. They have since been the source of attraction to keep returning to the Zoo and Wild Animal Park! I can’t wait until our famiy can visit again! Aloha!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 21:28:53 +0000

Hello everyone,

Thanks so much for reading the blog and leaving your comments. Thankfully, okapis are not currently classified as endangered. They are listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which means that the species in not currently considered to be threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered), but is close to meeting the established criteria, or may meet the criteria in the near future. As of 2008, it was estimated that there were between 10,000 to 35,000 animals and that their populations were stable in protected areas. In the wild, their greatest threat is habitat loss resulting from logging and human settlements. Bushmeat hunting, political unrest, and economic development pressures are also threats.

Overall I have noticed that our okapis spend the most time in the corner of their exhibit that is closest to the vulture enclosure. This section of the exhibit is actually in closer proximity to visitors than most of the others. It is also one of the more shady areas, which may be one of the main reasons why they are favoring it. If you check back in for my next few posts, I will hopefully have a bit more information on how okapis at the Wild Animal Park are using their exhibit and what they are doing throughout the day.

Thanks again for your interest in my research! I enjoy reading your comments so please keep them coming.

By: Priscilla

Priscilla — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:44:04 +0000

Hi Sarah, this is really interesting. I’m so glad I found it. You are truly lucky to have such a great experience this summer. I have bookmarked your page and am looking forward to reading more about your adventures!

By: Stella

Stella — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:07:12 +0000

Wow! I did not know what an Okapi looked like before reading this. Can’t wait to read and find out more about this animal!

By: Creig

Creig — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:06:48 +0000

I’m not sure I could have told you what an Okapi looked like before reading this. However, my first thought on seeing one is that it reminds me of the main character in Bill Peet’s classic children’s book, “The Whingdingdilly.” I guess I learned something new today.

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 17:03:12 +0000

Neat blog! I think your research area sounds really interesting. I wonder if the location that the okapi use most in their exhibit has any relationship to where the visitors congregate? I can’t wait to read more about this.

By: Gail

Gail — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:53:51 +0000

This is my first exposure to the okapi but he is cool! The more I learn about our world, the more I realize there is to learn. I hope the zoo can keep up their good work despite the economic problems the country is having. My last visit to the San Diego Zoo was memorable but the next time I get there I’ll be sure & visit the okapi.

By: Sara

Sara — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:46:49 +0000

Okapis are one of my favorite animals. I love to visit the Okapi at the Saint Louis Zoo. It is sad to see like many creatures though, mankind will probably drive this on extinct in the wild as well. Seems like we should be putting far more effort in saving wonderful animals like the Okapi.