Lansing, MI – May 7, 2024 – Potter Park Zoo is delighted to announce the newest addition to its diverse animal family – Elombe, the okapi! This five-year-old male okapi arrived from another AZA-accredited zoo and is now visible to the public in the Okapi Forest exhibit, located just across from our red panda habitat.
The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a fascinating and elusive species native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. Often referred to as the “forest giraffe” due to its long neck and striped legs, the okapi is a close relative of the giraffe. This unique mammal was first discovered by western scientists in the early 20th century and has since become an iconic symbol of African wildlife.
Unfortunately, the okapi is listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss and poaching. Conservation efforts are critical to ensuring the survival of this species in the wild.
The arrival of Elombe represents an exciting milestone for Potter Park Zoo, marking its commitment to species conservation and providing enriching experiences for zoo visitors. The introduction of a new species requires meticulous planning and preparation, and the zoo’s dedicated team has been hard at work to ensure a seamless transition.
In anticipation of Elombe’s arrival, the animal care team undertook an extensive learning journey, shadowing husbandry processes at other accredited zoos to gain valuable insight and knowledge. Additionally, the maintenance team visited an okapi barn to gather essential information to create a comfortable and enriching environment for Elombe.
Thanks to a donation made in honor of longtime volunteer Mary Siegriest, the zoo was able to update and renovate an existing barn for the okapi, ensuring that Elombe has a secure and welcoming space to flourish. The health and well-being of the zoo animals is paramount, and Elombe underwent a thorough quarantine process to ensure he is healthy and ready to explore his new home.
As Elombe explores his new habitat in the Okapi Forest, guests are invited to visit and welcome him to Potter Park Zoo! We eagerly invite everyone to be part of this exciting chapter in the zoo’s history. Your generosity empowers us to achieve our goals and fulfill our mission each day, making a meaningful impact in our community and beyond by inspiring conservation of animals and the natural world.
For more information about Elombe and upcoming events at Potter Park Zoo, please visit
www.potterparkzoo.org.
Potter Park Zoo is home to nearly 300 animals, including critically endangered black rhinos, endangered red pandas, Massasauga rattlesnakes, and spider monkeys. The zoo is open 364 days a year, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the diverse wildlife of our planet year-round.
