ZOO Antwerpen - Okapi Breeding Centre

Toddy · 22 Dec 2011

One of the four outdoor exhibits making up the Okapi Breeding Centre in ZOO Antwerpen. These exhibits house no less than six okapis (Okapia johnstoni) and this is one of the biggest breeding centres in Europe for this species. This is the exhibit located in the new extension area from 2010 where the okapis are mixed with kirk’s dik-diks (Madoqua kirkii). ZOO Antwerpen have over the last few years been buying land on the borders of the zoo and tearing down buildings for new exhibits. A costly but necessary move.

The okapi is one of the flagship species of the KMDA who also runs the EEP program for this species. ZOO Antwerpen was also the first zoo in the world to exhibit an okapi back in 1919. This is another one of the species from the former Belgian Congo that the KMDA specializes in along with the bonobos (Pan paniscus) and congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis) for which they also coordinate the EEP.

ZOO Antwerpen, July 2011.

PAT · 22 Dec 2011

Imagine living in one of those houses on the right. I imagine they would be prime real estate for their central location anyway but views like this would make them worth it for any Zoochatter.

And I'm glad that Antwerp Zoo is your next uploading project because if all goes to plan I'll be visiting in late January. I realise that it's not the best time of year to visit zoos in Europe but it is just how my plans have worked out. Thank You!

Toddy · 22 Dec 2011

PAT said:
Imagine living in one of those houses on the right. I imagine they would be prime real estate for their central location anyway but views like this would make them worth it for any Zoochatter.

You bet! From those buildings you would be able to view okapis in two paddocks, kirk's dik-diks, babirusas and red pandas. Possibly even wallabies as well. Later I will also show you an office building with views straight to takins and tahrs.

PAT said:
And I'm glad that Antwerp Zoo is your next uploading project because if all goes to plan I'll be visiting in late January. I realise that it's not the best time of year to visit zoos in Europe but it is just how my plans have worked out. Thank You!

As always I'm thankful to get input from you as well @PAT. Hope to see many comments from you. While you are right that ZOO Antwerpen is at its best during the summer you will still be able to see many animals indoors in their houses: Winter Garden, Monkey House, Ape House, Egyptian Temple (elephants/giraffes/duiker), Vriesland (penguins), Aquarium, Reptile/Amphibian House, Hippotopia, Nocturama and Bird House. And then there are all the winter hardy species. Pictures of all of these will, of course, follow

ZOO Antwerpen - Okapi Breeding Centre

Toddy

PAT

Toddy

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