Samenvatting

Keeping exotic species in captivity, like the okapi (Okapia johnstoni), is often problematic, especially concerning their nutrient requirements, since these per se have not been studied. The association of diets of okapis and some health problems in captivity has often been speculated. In 1998 a research on okapi nutrition was held in several European zoos which have okapis in their collection. Among other information, the results of this research were used to establish the European nutrition guideline for okapis in captivity in 2001. Since 1998 more insight has been gained concerning okapi nutrition. Therefore the main objective of this final thesis assignment was to create an advice to improve the diet for okapis in captivity, using insights gained after 1998.