The okapi is a special animal with stripes like a zebra and a shape like a giraffe. It lives in forests and is quiet and curious. Kids love learning about its soft fur, long tongue, and gentle way of moving through trees!
Watch an Okapi in Action!
See how an okapi walks, eats, and uses its long tongue to grab leaves.
What Is an Okapi?
An okapi is a forest mammal that is related to the giraffe. It has special features that make it unique.
- Long neck and legs like a giraffe but smaller in size
- Brown body with white striped back legs like a zebra
- Long purple tongue that can be 50 cm (20 in) to reach leaves
Where Do Okapis Live?
Okapis live in the heart of rainforest areas and have special homes in the wild.
- Found in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa
- Hide in shady places to stay safe and cool
- Live where there are many trees and vines to eat
What Do Okapis Eat?
Okapis are plant eaters and love tasty treats from the forest.
- Soft leaves from trees and shrubs
- Fruits that fall to the forest floor
- Ferns and other small plants
How Big Is an Okapi?
Okapis are big, but not as big as a giraffe. They are easy to picture when you think of familiar objects.
- Height: about 1.5 m (5 ft) tall at the shoulders – as tall as a grown-up’s hip
- Length: around 2.5 m (8 ft) from nose to tail – about as long as a couch
- Weight: roughly 200 kg (440 lb) – as heavy as a small car tire
What Sound Do Okapis Make?
Okapis don’t make loud sounds, but they have special noises to talk quietly to each other.
They can moan, whistle softly, or bleat to their babies.
Cool Okapi Facts
Okapis are full of surprises! Here are some cool things about them:
- They were unknown to the outside world until 1901!
- Their fur helps them stay hidden in the forest shadows.
- They use their long tongue to clean their eyes and ears, too.
- They walk quietly, making almost no sound in the forest.
- Okapis mark their territory by scratching trees with their front hooves.
- Each okapi has a unique pattern of stripes—no two look the same!
- They are shy and live mostly alone in the wild.
Printables and Coloring Fun
Have fun coloring and learning more about okapis!
Okapis in the Eco-system
Okapis help keep their forests healthy and full of life. They also need our help to stay safe.
- They spread seeds through their droppings, helping new plants grow
- Over 15,000 okapis live in the wild, mostly in protected areas
- They are endangered because forests are being cut down and people hunt them
Ask a Grown‑up to Help You Learn More
Explore more okapi facts with the help of a trusted adult.
Fun Questions About Okapis
An okapi is a forest mammal that looks like a mix between a giraffe and a zebra.
Okapis live in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa.
They eat leaves, fruits, and ferns from the forest.
An okapi is about 1.5 m (5 ft) tall at the shoulders.
Okapis make soft sounds like moans, whistles, and bleats.
They are endangered because of forest loss and hunting.
Ways to Donate and Support Okapis
You can help protect okapis by supporting groups that care for forests and wildlife. Your gift can help keep their homes safe.
Sources: Wikipedia, Live Science, Creative Commons, Britannica.com and Freesound.org
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