32K reactions · 5.6K shares | The beautiful and endangered okapi is...

Have you ever seen an Okapi before? Although the okapi has striped markings reminiscent of zebras, it is most closely related to the giraffe. In fact, the okapi and the giraffe are the only living members of the family Giraffidae. #WildlifeWednesday 🦒 🦓 | Science Channel

8.7K views · 309 reactions | Recently captured by our camera traps deep in the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, this footage shows an okapi moving freely through its undisturbed rainforest home—a testament to the power of conservation. Protecting these forests means protecting the okapi and countless other species that depend on them. | Okapi Conservation Project | Facebook

In this camera trap moment, a secret of the forest quietly unfolds. An okapi—gingerly walks through the undergrowth, unaware of the tiny forest companions that follow its path. Look closely, and you’ll spot two yellow-whiskered greenbuls darting by. These clever birds rely on the okapi to flush insects from the grasses—a unique partnership in the rainforest. This glimpse into the interconnected lives of Congo’s rainforest wildlife is a reminder: when we protect one species, we protect many. #Oka

Why are okapi so cool? They look like a mix between a zebra and a giraffe — but they’re actually the giraffe’s only living relative! With their striped legs and long purple tongues, okapi are perfectly adapted for life in the dense forests of the Congo. Sadly, these incredible animals are endangered due to habitat loss and poaching. Protecting them means supporting global conservation efforts that preserve their rainforest habitat and help stop illegal hunting. Let’s show the okapi some love! Vi

In the wild, okapi can only be found in the Ituri Rainforest in the Congo. They are famous for being the last large mammal discovered in Africa in the early 1900s. Stop by to see our okapi pair, Sukari and Kwame, next to our Asian elephant bachelor yard. Watch this week’s replay to learn more: bit.ly/2wHMYBw | Houston Zoo