[12] In August 1954, the zoo received its first okapi, the elusive creature discovered in the Ituri Forest in the northeastern part of the Belgian Congo.

[13][14][15] By 1956, the zoo's fortunes began to decline, and controversies arose regarding the possibility of closure, with a portion of the complex being ceded to the nearby modern-day Kinshasa General Hospital.

The devastating effects of war led to dire conditions for the animals, as food shortages and lack of rejuvenation took a toll on their well-being.

Tragically, many chimpanzees were reduced to drinking dirty water from bowls, resulting in starvation and the unfortunate demise of several animals by late 1999.

The current exhibits include pythons, cobras, rattlesnakes, vultures, crows, cattle guards, eagles, turkeys, African marabous, crowned cranes, turtles, servals, civets, hawks, horses, pigs, jackals, buffalos, monitor lizards, kites, parrots, and donkeys.

[5][2] Since the First and Second Congo Wars, the zoo has experienced a decrease in the number of animals due to environmental degradation, lack of treatment, insufficient funding, and inadequate site rejuvenation.

Consequently, animals like lions, zebras, leopards, tigers, elephants, hippos, okapis, antelopes, bears, cheetahs, and giraffes have descreases.

[5][4] The animals currently residing in the park are in a state of destitution, with some species, like monkeys, beseeching for food from visitors by stretching out their hands when they approach the cage.

In a city of about 17 million inhabitants, the frequency of visits is estimated at 500 visitors per week, according to the director of the zoo, Simon Dinganga tra Ndeto.