What kind of animal is the okapi? Explaining its characteristics, ecology, and habitat in the latest edition. A rare animal featured in zoos and illustrated guides.

What kind of animal is the okapi, also known as the “forest giraffe”? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. Although they are famous mammals that can always be seen at zoos, they are also endangered animals. The okapi looks like a cross between a deer and a zebra.

What is okapi? About basic status

The okapi, also known as the “giraffe of the forest,” looks like a cross between a deer and a zebra, and its scientific name is Okapia johnstoni. It is an animal belonging to the genus Okapi, in the order Mammalia and order Artiodactyla. It weighs 200-300 kg, is 1.9-2.5 m long, and 1.5-2.0 m high at the shoulder, and has a horse-like appearance. It is characterized by its giraffe-like horns. Like giraffes, it also has two horns covered with skin on its head. However, males have horns, but females do not.

Japanese（和名）	オカピ
English（英名）	Okapi
scientific name(学名)	Okapia johnstoni
classification（分類）	Mammalia、 Artiodactyl、Giraffidae、Okapia  哺乳綱、偶蹄目、キリン科、オカピ属
IUCN Status(保全状況)	ENDANGERED
Length（体長）	1.9-2.5m
Weight（体重）	200 – 300kg

What are the roots and origins of the okapi?

Contrary to the common misconception that they are a cross between a zebra and a giraffe, okapis actually belong to an ancient lineage that evolved from the same group as giraffes. While their unusual appearance often leads to misunderstanding, taxonomically, they belong to the family Giraffidae.

Evolutionary Roots

More than 10 million years ago, the lineage leading to modern giraffes and okapis diverged from primitive giraffid animals found in Africa and elsewhere. Genetic studies estimate that the common ancestor of the giraffe and the okapi existed approximately 11.5 million years ago.

A simplified evolutionary timeline:

Ancient giraffid animals
│
├── Modern giraffes
│ (Evolved long necks to feed on leaves from tall trees)
│
└── Okapis
(Adapted to forest life; retained short necks)

Why do they have short necks despite being related to giraffes?

Giraffes evolved to feed on the leaves of tall trees in the savanna.

In contrast, okapis remained in the rainforests of Central Africa.

They adapted to an environment where:

Maneuverability was more important than a long neck in dense forests

Feeding on plants near the ground was necessary

Hiding within the undergrowth was essential

Consequently, they retained a body shape closer to that of their ancestors.

Why are they called “living fossils”?

Because they retain many characteristics of ancient giraffid animals, okapis are often referred to as “living fossils.”

Characteristics:

Possess a long tongue, just like the giraffe

Males have small horns

Body structure is similar to that of the giraffe

Striped markings on the legs are thought to aid in camouflage within the forest

History of Discovery

While the local people of the Congo had long known about the okapi, it was not introduced to the European scientific community until the early 20th century. It was scientifically reported in 1901 by the British explorer Harry Johnston.

About classification

The okapi alone forms the genus Okapi. This animal was discovered in Africa in the 1800s and was classified into the family Giraffidae. It is said to be one of the three most rare animals in nature, and there are many photos, images, and videos of okapi species available online. Giraffe and Okapi separated.

■ Basic classification

• 界：動物界（Animalia）
• 門：脊索動物門（Chordata）
• 綱：哺乳綱（Mammalia）
• 目：偶蹄目（Artiodactyla）
• 科：キリン科（Giraffidae）
• 属：オカピ属（Okapia）
• 種：オカピ（Okapia johnstoni）

The only closely related species to the giraffe.

Where is its habitat?

Okapis live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They used to live in Uganda too, but they have become extinct. There are no wild ones in Japan now, so if you want to find one, you can see them at the Yokohama Zoo Zoorasia in Kanagawa Prefecture.

① Geographic Distribution

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo

Region:

Northeastern region, centered on Ituri Forest

Not naturally distributed in other countries

② Specific Environmental Conditions

Okapis live in the following areas:

Lowland to mid-lowland tropical rainforest

Altitude: Approximately 500-1,500m

High temperatures and humidity throughout the year

Dense jungle and abundant undergrowth

Dim forest interiors

Cannot survive in the savanna; fully adapted to forests.

③ Why are they only found deep in the forest?

Body color blends into the shadows of the forest

Excellent hearing and smell

Adapted to environments with poor visibility

Easily avoids predators and humans

“Hiding” is their survival strategy.

feature is? What kind of creature is it?

Okapi lives in grasslands and rainforests and has brown and white stripes on its rump and limbs. It is a large, diurnal animal that prefers to be solitary. Males advertise their territory by scattering urine on their territory. They also form small groups and eat together. It has been suggested that it is a member of the giraffe family, and its appearance resembles a cross between a giraffe and a horse. It is known that the okapi is an animal close to the ancestor of the giraffe.

① Strange Appearance (Horse + Zebra + Giraffe)

Body: Dark Brown to Reddish Brown

Legs: Black and White Stripes (Mainly on the Hind Legs)

Neck: Not as Long as a Giraffe, but Slightly Long

Face: Slender and Gentle

The Contrast in Appearance Is Its Most Distinguishing Feature.

② Giraffidae-like Body Structure

Very Long Tongue (Over 30cm)

Used to Grab Leaves

Also Used to Clean Ears and Eyes

Herbivore with Ruminant Stomach

Males Have Small Skin Horns (Ossicones)

③ Body Color and Senses Specialized for the Forest

Dark Body: Blends Into the Shade

Stripes: May Help Distinguish Between Youngsters and Deter Predators

Highly Acute Hearing and Smell

④ Body Size

Body Length: Approximately 2.0-2.5m

Height (Shoulder): Approximately 1.5-1.7m

Weight: 200-350kg

Larger and Heavier Than They Look

What is your personality like?

Okapis are animals with a great deal of individual variation, with some being cautious, some timid, and some very friendly. They are said to have evolved independently, with hooves similar to those of giraffes.

① Very timid and cautious

Reacts to even the slightest noise

Avoids people and large animals

Disappears before they are seen

“Not being seen” is their best defense

② Generally solitary

Does not form groups

Home ranges overlap, but maintain distance

Minimizes social contact

Prefers solitude

③ Gentle and low-aggression

Does not engage in unnecessary fights

Will not attack unless cornered

Gentle herbivores

④ Moves silently

Very quiet footsteps

Moves quietly through the jungle

Almost never vocalizes

⑤ Sensitive and susceptible to stress

Sensitive to environmental changes

Artificial noise and human proximity are a burden

Difficult to manage in captivity

Personality traits observed in parent-child relationships

Mothers are very cautious

Hides their young in the jungle

Calls only using low-frequency sounds

Quiet and affectionate.

What is the ecology like?

Okapi lives by eating plants such as fruits, leaves, buds, leaves, and twigs. They eat leaves by gathering them with their long tongues. Regarding reproduction, the gestation period is long. It is possible to give birth to one calf at a time in 414 – 493 days. Babies breastfeed for about 6 months and reach sexual maturity in 3 years. Their lifespan is 15-20 years, with some living as long as 33 years.

① Daily rhythm
Morning–afternoon

Move slowly through the forest

Forage for leaves and young shoots

Ruminate in a secluded spot

Evening

Continue foraging

Slightly increased activity

Night

Rest in a safe place

Rarely moves far

Low-energy lifestyle with minimal movement.

② Diet (What do they eat?)

Leaves

Young shoots

Fruit

Ferns

Lichens (replenishes minerals)

Characteristic feeding habits

They entangle leaves with their long tongues

Mainly use leaves 1-3m tall

They rarely eat grass on the ground

③ Home range and sociality

Solo life

Fixed home range

Loosely mark territory with scent

Males do not fight directly with each other

④ Breeding ecology
Breeding

Breeding year-round

Breeding season is unclear

Gestation and birth

Gestation period: Approximately 14-15 months

Little child: 1

Rearing

Baby hides in the forest

Mother breastfeeds regularly

Baby does not defecate for several weeks (scent protection)

Thorough predator protection.

Are there any natural enemies?

The okapi has a natural enemy called the leopard. Parents and children should take good care of each other and escape from danger.

Okapi Vocalizations

An okapi’s vocalizations are not the “horse-like calls” or “zebra-like neighs” one might imagine based on their appearance. They are rather quiet animals that use sounds that are difficult for humans to hear.

Low, rumbling, or growling sounds

Okapis produce low-pitched sounds to communicate with one another.

Calls from a mother to her calf

Low-pitched sounds when alert

Signals to others

These are some of the contexts in which these sounds are used.

Infrasonic-range sounds (difficult for humans to hear)

Of particular interest is the possibility that okapis use low-frequency sounds (in the range of infrasound).

In the rainforest,

trees grow densely,

visibility is poor, and

sound does not travel far,

making low-frequency sounds advantageous for communicating with others.

“Whistle” calls to summon the calf

When looking for its mother, a calf produces a high-pitched, whistle-like sound.

Snorting and exhalation sounds

At close range, they also communicate through:

snorting,

muffled sounds, and

low growls.

Seasonal Activity Patterns

Since okapis inhabit Central Africa (primarily the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), their activity patterns are dictated mainly by the alternation between the rainy and dry seasons, rather than the four distinct seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter) found in Japan.

Rainy Season (Generally March–May and September–November)

Activity Level: High

A period of abundant rainfall and lush vegetation.

🌿 Increased foraging activity

Consumes large amounts of:

Young leaves

Fruit

Tree buds

Herbaceous plants

🐾 Expanded home range

Easier to move around due to plentiful food

Forages while walking slowly through the forest

🍼 Increased reproductive behavior

More frequent contact between males and females

Females have a gestation period of approximately 14–15 months, so birth timing depends on environmental conditions

Dry Season (Generally June–August and December–February)

Activity Level: Slightly lower

Reduced rainfall leads to a decrease in available vegetation.

🌱 More time spent searching for food

Moves around in search of preferred leaves

May frequent areas near water sources

🌳 Tendency to stay deep within the forest

Avoids heat and dryness

Utilizes tree shade and dense forest cover

🐾 Primarily solitary behavior

Okapis are fundamentally solitary animals

Rarely form herds, even during the dry season

Daily Activity Patterns (Morning, Day, and Night)

🌅 Morning

A period of heightened activity.

Foraging

Moving through the forest

Gathering information via scent

☀️ Daytime

Increased time spent resting.

Resting in the shade

Rumination (regurgitating and re-chewing consumed plant matter)

Staying alert to surroundings

🌙 Night

Becomes active again.

Foraging

Moving through the forest

Contact with other individuals

※ Okapis are considered to be strongly crepuscular (active primarily at dawn and dusk).

Walking Speed

Although there is little precise data on okapi walking speeds in the wild, it is estimated that their normal travel speed is around a few kilometers per hour (comparable to a human’s slow to average walking pace).

Approximate Movement Speeds

• Walking slowly (while foraging): Approx. 2–4 km/h
• Moving through the forest: Approx. 4–8 km/h
• Fleeing in alarm: Potentially over 10–20 km/h
• Short-distance sprints: Can be even faster

Why “Walk Quietly” Instead of Running Fast?

The okapi is an animal adapted to the dense forests of the Congo.

🌳 The forest is full of obstacles

• Few places to run at high speeds over long distances
• The ability to navigate around trees and plants is crucial

👂 Moving silently is essential

• To avoid predators (such as leopards)
• They are prey animals that need to protect themselves, not hunters seeking prey

🦵 Short neck and sturdy legs

• Skilled at making agile turns
• Well-suited for maneuvering in tight spaces within the dense forest

Characteristics of Their Gait

As members of the giraffe family, okapis share a similar gait to giraffes.

• They sometimes use a “lateral gait” (moving the legs on the same side of the body simultaneously)
• They make very little noise when walking
• They eat leaves while moving slowly through the forest

In short, the okapi is not a “speed animal” like the cheetah, but rather…

“An animal evolved to move silently through dense forests.”

About Okapi Baby

Okapi baby cubs are “hidden in the forest and raised in silence.”
Their most distinctive feature is their extremely secretive parenting.

① They can stand immediately.

Stand up within 30 minutes of birth.

Able to walk within an hour.

Long, strong legs.

They are quick to act, typical of large herbivores.

② Appearance

Body color is a slightly lighter brown.

The stripes on their legs are more pronounced than in adults.

Their faces are round and young.

A special behavior known as “hidden parenting.”

Mother’s behavior

Leaves their baby in the jungle and leaves.

Returns only a few times a day to nurse.

Moves when danger is near.

Baby characteristics

They barely defecate for several weeks.

They don’t emit any odor.

They wait motionlessly.

They have thorough predator protection.

Is the okapi an endangered species?

Unfortunately, the okapi is designated as an endangered species. According to the information provided, it is legally protected in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is strictly protected. The population is declining due to the following reasons. Some protected areas have been built, making it difficult to manage.

Impact of civil war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

You can die from the effects of the civil war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Okapi are often victims of attacks by armed groups, and many are killed.

habitat destruction

The okapi’s biggest concern is habitat destruction. As more and more areas where okapi can live are developed by humans, their habitats are becoming fragmented and isolated.

Hunting for food and leather

Illegal hunting is also a problem. Many zebras are killed by businesses for their meat and leather, and their meat is used commercially. Because they were used for food and died, the zoo protects and breeds these zebras.

Can okapi be kept?

Unfortunately, it is difficult to keep okapis as they are designated as an endangered species. The best you can do is see them in zoos and national parks. Zoos in the United States and Japan have a wide range of exhibits and other content, so we recommend that you go and see them first. They have beautiful stripes. They are often featured in the news, and there are a certain number of places where you can see them, so do your research. In Japan, you can see them at Zoorasia and other places.

① Strictly restricted by law

IUCN Red List: Endangered

CITES Appendix I

International trade is generally prohibited

Nationally protected species in its country of origin (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

There is no way for individuals to acquire or keep them.

② Extremely unique environmental requirements

Okapis require the following environment:

Hot and humid tropical rainforest environment

Quiet, dark spaces

Large home range

Stable vegetation (mainly foliage)

Difficult to reproduce in standard captivity facilities.

③ Highly sensitive to stress

Sensitive to noise and human presence

Easily affected by environmental changes

Stress leads to a weakened immune system

Captivity is likely to pose a survival risk.

④ Breeding is difficult

Highly solitary

Breeding timing is difficult to determine

Long gestation period (approximately 15 months)

Advanced knowledge is required for successful breeding.