Okapi
Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni
Close relative of the giraffe, with dark body and white stripes on legs.
Quick facts
- Approximate size1.9–2.5 m (length)
- Average weight200–350 kg
- Life expectancy20–30 years
- ActivityDiurnal
Basic information
- Home: dense humid rainforests in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Food: leaves, shoots, fruits and fungi, browsed with its long prehensile tongue.
- Sexual dimorphism: only males have ossicones (small skin-covered horns).
- Predators: leopards and other large carnivores; hunting and armed conflict are serious indirect threats.
Life in the wild
What this species is like in its natural environment, with the climate, shelters and resources it needs.
Species overview
The okapi is a large, highly specialized forest mammal living in some of Africa's most remote forests.
Natural habitat
Prefers dense rainforests with clearings and watercourses, where it finds varied vegetation for feeding.
Behavior
Solitary and very secretive, using dense forest to hide from predators and human activity.
Special traits
Its anatomy combines robust body, relatively long neck and prehensile tongue adapted for browsing.
Conservation and threats
Threatened by deforestation, illegal mining and regional instability; specific reserves exist for its protection.
Curiosities
Striking details about this species that show its biology and ecology in a different way.
- Long known as a "mysterious animal" due to how difficult it was to observe.
- Has a very long tongue used to pull leaves and even clean its eyelids.
- The only close living relative of the giraffe.
- Leg stripes may help calves follow mothers in the forest twilight.
Welfare profile
Aspects to consider if this species is kept in captivity at specialized centers.
Facilities and spaceCritical
In captivity needs large forested enclosures with abundant vegetation and refuge areas.
Light, temperature and environmentMedium
Requires diet rich in leaves, fresh branches and feeds formulated for selective herbivores.
Handling and stressVery delicate
Direct handling is done with cooperative training techniques and must be very careful.
Okapi in captivity
General information aimed at professional facilities and authorized centers.
⚠️ Capture and trade of mammals like this species are regulated in many countries. Essential to verify legal origin of animals and prioritize responsible breeding programs and habitat conservation.
Suitable facilities
Few zoos in the world maintain okapis, usually within international conservation programs.
Feeding in responsible centers
- Enclosures designed to allow them to avoid direct public view.
- Diet rich in leaves and fresh branches.
- Specific feeds for selective herbivores.
Handling and welfare
Environmental enrichment includes branches, feeding route variation and acoustic control.
Ethical message
Species survival depends mainly on effective protection of its native forests.
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from specialized professionals or consultation of current legislation.