Incorporating the science of nutrition into the management of captive animals.
Normal circulating vitamin E levels have not been established for okapi (Okapi johnstoni) on a captive diet. Blood samples were obtained in 1996 by the Okapi SSP for free-ranging okapi in Zaire (Lukas, 1996). In 2009, vitamin E levels were acquired for animals housed at the Epulu Station in the Democratic Republic of the Congo fed an all leaf diet...
There is a lack of information available regarding the average birth weights and growth rates of many exotic animal species. This information can prove useful when evaluating the health of new born animals in a zoological setting. Within 24 to 48 hours of birth, giraffe (Giraffa camelopardis) and okapi (Okapia johnstoni) at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are weighed and health is...
North American and European okapi nutrition advisors collected information on and compared okapi diets fed in North American and European zoos. The data also were compared with available data from studies of captive okapi offered natural food items in the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire). Based on these findings and other information described in that paper, recommendations for feeding...