Okapitoberfest 2022

Okapi lovers unite! All proceeds from this auction will benefit Okapi Conservation Project which provides support to the animals and villages across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In addition to our annual online auction, we are bringing back an in-person event for this fundraiser! Please join AAZK Jacksonville on October 7th from 6-9pm at Kanine Social, located at 580 College St. Jacksonville, FL 32204! The event will include costume contests for humans and dogs, drinks, a food truck, a preview of our auction items, and more! Well behaved dogs are welcome! More information to follow at www.Facebook.com/JZGAAZK

Okapi are the closest living relatives to giraffes and was only discovered in the early 1900s. This beautifully unique creatures can weight between 400-700lbs and are endangered after a >50% population decline over the last two decades. Okapi reside in the Ituri forest in the DRC and face threats from deforestation, poaching, armed conflict in the region, and human population growth.

Fun fact: the Congo is one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world! Home to approximately 10,000 species of plants, 400 species of mammals, and 1000 species of birds.

Please visit www.okapiconservation.org for more information.

The American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK) is a membership association for animal care professionals. As a Non-profit 501c (3) organization one hundred percent of the funds raised goes towards conservation and the professional development of our keepers.

AAZK is dedicated to advancing animal care, promoting public awareness, enhancing professional development and contributing to local and global conservation through fundraising and stewardship. Our goal is to inspire and motivate through our roles as animal caregivers, educators and conservationists.

Mission statement: To foster cooperation between animal care professionals to work together toward the common goal of raising awareness for and contributing to conservation projects, both locally and globally.