Okapi

About Okapi

Don't let the stripes fool you. The okapi is the only living animal relative of the giraffe, and not related to a zebra. Okapi live in the dense forest of the DRC, are solitary animals, and its large ears allow it to hear the smallest of sounds alerting the animal to potential dangers. An okapi in the wild is elusive animal to humans and do not attract attention in natural areas.

Size:

Around 5 feet tall at the shoulder, 6 feet tall at the head and is about the size of a horse.

Weight:

Females: 495-770 lbs
Males: 440-660 lbs

Range and Habitat:

North, Central and Eastern areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in closed, high canopy forests

Feeding Type:

Herbivorous, Ruminant

Diet in the Wild:

Leaves, fruit, seeds, ferns and fungi

Conservation:

Classified as Endangered by the IUCN

Median Life Expectancy:

16.3 years

Fun Facts:

• Okapis are sometimes called “Forest Giraffe” or Africa’s “unicorn”
• October 18 is World Okapi Day
• Tongues are between 14”-18” long which they use to wrap around limbs and leaves and use to groom themselves.
• Very shy and gentle natured
• The brown and white zebra looking stripes on their rump are used as camouflage