The zoo in Dvur Kralove nad Labem had been trying for years to be allowed to breed okapi. In 2004, it became the 13th zoological garden in Europe and 35th zoo worldwide where you can see these beautiful and interesting animals.
There has been great interest in okapis worldwide and the number of zoological gardens that breed them has been increasing. As to June 1, 2008, there were 54 okapis kept in 17 institutions in Europe and 140 okapis lived worldwide away from their natural environment. 87 okapis are kept in 25 institutions in North America and Japan.
The goal was not easy to achieve. It required close cooperation on the international level within the European breeding programme as well as development of professional and material background to prove the zoo's ability to provide top care for these animals. Okapis are vulnerable and sensitive creatures, very demanding as to the care and conditions, which is why the climate in the pavilion needs to be constantly monitored.
Okapi breeding and presentation is Dvur Kralove Zoo's contribution to the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). It has teamed up with Czech Radio to inform the public about these interesting animals, the equally interesting circumstances of their discovery, as well as their life in the wild and in captivity. We believe the project will also contribute to protection of okapi and their natural environment.
Our aim is to monitor Etana's behaviour before and after the delivery, as well as her care for the young and its growth. We would like to present all that on-line because propagation of okapi in captivity is a rare occurrence.
[
