Abstract

This is the first report of the use of two tranquilizers, zuclopenthixol and haloperidol, in okapi (Okapi johnstoni) to facilitate transportation. Two okapi, a male and a female, were transported out of the zoo and back again three months later using this protocol. Normally, these animals require training to enter and remain calm in the transportation crate, such training taking six to eight weeks, and loading taking approximately four hours, despite such training. Due to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the United Kingdom in 2001, the okapi were required to move from the zoo site at short notice without such training. Each animal was given 100 mg of zuclopenthixol 15 hours before the move then 10–20 mg haloperidol to facilitate loading; both administered intramuscularly by dart. Both animals loaded into the crates calmly and within 20 minutes. Unloading was equally without incident. The animals remained in a “calm and tame” state for approximately three weeks following dosing.