Dallas Zoo AAZK Chapter

🎃👻 Remember our Halloween Chili Cookoff is tomorrow! Don’t be a scaredy-cat—bring your best chili to the cauldron and let’s see who can impress these three and reign as the “Chili Champion”! Whether your recipe is fang-tastic or just a little bit wicked, we can’t wait to taste all the delicious entries. Let’s have a gourd time! 🌶️🕷️

Happy World Okapi Day! 🤎🤍🖤

Here are some Okapi Facts:
🌍They are endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo’s dense rainforests
👅They have long blue-black tongues that are perfect for pulling leaves off tree branches as well as cleaning their eyes and ears
🦇They are herbivores but their diet can include bat f***s to obtain the salts and minerals found in it
🦶They use scent glands on their feet to mark their territory
🦒Their closest relatives are giraffes and share similar features like ossicones and prehensile tongues
🎂They have been known to live 20-30 years, reaching maturity around 2-3 years
📉The IUCN lists them as endangered as their population has declined over 50% over the past 2 decades

At 8 months old, Malamu (pictured in the 1st and 2nd photo) is the youngest out of the 5 Okapi here at Dallas and our zoologists adore her! In order to ensure these amazing animals and their home are protected, our zoo supports where they provide community assistance and engagement as well as helping protect the forests of the Okapi Wildlife Reserve located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Check out the amazing work they do and show some love for Okapi not just today but everyday! 🤎🤍🖤
📸 Paige T.

Our friends from the Point Defiance AAZK Chapter ( ) are hosting a free and amazing self-care workshop, and you’re invited! 🌿

Join us on October 15 at 8 pm CST via Zoom for an evening of relaxation and wellness, led by Dr. Jane Compson from the University of Washington Tacoma. It’s the perfect chance to recharge and learn some valuable self-care tips with fellow keepers! 🧘‍♀️✨

If you’d like to attend, message us and we’ll send you the Zoom link. Huge thanks to the Point Defiance AAZK Chapter for making this possible! 🫶🏻💚