In the wild, the incredibly shy okapi is rarely seen by humans. They live in heavily forested areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Central Africa. Here are some fun okapi facts: - They are the only living relative of the giraffe. - Their distinctive leg stripes break up their body shape and are an effective camouflage in dense vegetation - The species was discovered by western scientists in the early 1900s. - They use their large ears to listen for danger. See these amazing animals, at o

With a tongue that can extend up to 18 inches (45 cm), the okapi uses this remarkable adaptation to skillfully strip leaves, buds, and fruit from the understory trees of the Congo Basin. Their diet, rich in over 100 plant species, helps shape the forest’s biodiversity—an unsung but vital ecological role. Often mistaken as relatives of zebras due to their stripes, okapis are actually the only living relative of the giraffe. Yet unlike their towering cousins, these secretive animals are found sole