A week ago, a rebel group entered the only Okapi Conservation Project in the Ituri forest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, burning buildings and killing six people and 13 okapi.
In addition, all food, motorized equipment, computers, printers, satellite phones and medical supplies were stolen or burned.
The Houston Zoo houses 3 okapi -- an endangered species related to giraffes -- and has been a proud supporter of the Okapi Conservation Project for over a decade.
On Sunday, the Houston Zoo hosted a rally and offered behind-the-scenes tours of its okapi exhibit all day to help that organization raise relief funds.
You can learn more about the Okapi Conservation Project and donate to the cause online by visiting www.houstonzoo.org.
The zoo is also auctioning off a painting done by Kwame, one of the okapi at the Houston Zoo. Proceeds will be used as relief funds. To bid on this item, please visit their ebay page.
