You can protect Okapis by recycling!
World Okapi Day is coming up
October 18 is World Okapi Day. So, just what is an okapi? This handsome animal is part of the giraffe family—but looks are deceiving. A bit of giraffe is mixed in with some deer and zebra to create an ungulate (hoofed) mammal about 6-1/2 feet long and 5-1/4 feet tall at the shoulder. They are solitary, reclusive creatures who live deep in the rain forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Unfortunately, humans have invaded their habitat in the search for cobalt. The southern Congo is rich in this mineral; in fact, more than half of the world’s supply can be found there. Decades ago, a Belgian mining monopoly cleared much of the forest that topped rich mineral deposits and built a town where mineworkers lived. Today, Chinese companies own most of the industrial mines are the world’s largest producer of lithium-ion batteries in which cobalt is used.
An expensive element
Cobalt is one of the most expensive battery elements. It is also used in the manufacture of electric cars, aircraft engines, gas turbines, and in popular devices such as cell phones. But the activity surrounding the mining of cobalt has invaded the territory the peaceful okapi calls home and threatens its existence. The okapi is on the list of endangered animals. And that’s where you can help.
The Okapi Conservation Project
Launched in 1987, the Okapi Conservation Project seeks to protect the okapi by preserving the biological and cultural elements of the Ituri Forest where these animals reside. Among the goals are to equip and train the area’s wildlife guards and support the people who live next to the reserve.
How you can help?
And you can do this on Saturday, October 16, by joining us at our electronic recycling drive. Come to Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park to celebrate the upcoming World Okapi Day. From 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM, in front of Zoo School at the drive-thru area, we will provide an environmentally friendly way to dispose of your unwanted electronics. It’s a great way to help the beautiful okapis of central Africa as well as their gorilla and chimpanzee neighbors!
