Okapi

Meet the Okapi

The okapi is a special animal that lives in the forests of Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. Sometimes people call it the forest giraffe because it looks a little like a small giraffe. It is the only animal in its family, which also includes the giraffe.

Okapis are about as tall as a big dog, around 1.5 meters tall. They have long necks and big, flexible ears. Their fur is rich chocolate to reddish brown, with beautiful white stripes and rings on their legs, like a zebra. Male okapis have special bone-like bumps on their heads called ossicones, while females have unique swirls of hair on their heads.

Okapis are very careful animals that live in tall forests. They mainly come out during the day but might stay out a little at night. They usually live alone and only meet up to have babies. Okapis eat leaves, buds, grasses, fruits, and even fungi. They are very good at hiding in their forest homes.

Sadly, okapis are endangered because people cut down trees and mine in their habitats. The Okapi Conservation Project began in 1987 to help protect these wonderful creatures.