Democratic Republic of the Congo
Okapi
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Meet the okapi! Hidden deep in the rainforests of Central Africa, this gentle animal has a giraffe's long neck and a zebra's striped legs — a surprising combination found nowhere else on Earth.
Why is it special?
The okapi is actually the closest living relative of the giraffe, even though it looks a lot like a zebra.
It was unknown to scientists outside Africa until the early 1900s, earning it the nickname "the African unicorn."
How does it live?
Okapis live alone in thick rainforest, using their excellent hearing and sense of smell to stay safe from predators.
They use a long, dark tongue — just like a giraffe's — to strip leaves and buds from rainforest plants.
Amazing facts
An okapi's tongue is so long it can use it to clean its own ears and eyelids!
Its striped legs help it blend into dappled rainforest light and shadows.
Quick facts
- An okapi's tongue is so long it can use it to clean its own ears and eyelids!
- Its striped legs help it blend into dappled rainforest light and shadows.
- Okapis are found in the wild only in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- A baby okapi can stay hidden and still for hours while its mother forages nearby.