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Homescience

Why the Okapi Is Known as the ‘Forest Giraffe’

The okapi, a rare forest giraffe with zebra-like stripes and giraffe ancestry, thrives in Congo’s rainforests yet remains elusive and mysterious. Know more about this forest giraffe.

Gurpreet Singh | September 20, 2025 / 14:48 IST
1/10
1. Giraffe's Close Cousin: Though its stripes resemble a zebra, the okapi is closely related to the giraffe, sharing a long neck and tongue. (Image: Canva)
1. Giraffe's Close Cousin: Though its stripes resemble a zebra, the okapi is closely related to the giraffe, sharing a long neck and tongue. (Image: Canva)
2/10
2. Unique Stripes: Black-and-white stripes on the legs act as camouflage, helping the okapi blend seamlessly into the rainforest floor. (Image: Canva)
2. Unique Stripes: Black-and-white stripes on the legs act as camouflage, helping the okapi blend seamlessly into the rainforest floor. (Image: Canva)
3/10
3. Solitary Lifestyle: Solitary by nature, okapis rely on scent markings to communicate with other okapis across the dense jungle. (Image: Canva)
3. Solitary Lifestyle: Solitary by nature, okapis rely on scent markings to communicate with other okapis across the dense jungle. (Image: Canva)
4/10
4. Keen Senses: Large ears detect predators and other forest noises, essential for survival in dense vegetation. (Image: Canva)
4. Keen Senses: Large ears detect predators and other forest noises, essential for survival in dense vegetation. (Image: Canva)
5/10
5. Conservation Efforts: Classified as Endangered, okapis face threats from deforestation and poaching. Conservation is crucial to their survival. (Image: Canva)
5. Conservation Efforts: Classified as Endangered, okapis face threats from deforestation and poaching. Conservation is crucial to their survival. (Image: Canva)
6/10
6. Calves and Parenting: Female okapis give birth to a single calf, which hides for weeks to avoid predators. (Image: Canva)
6. Calves and Parenting: Female okapis give birth to a single calf, which hides for weeks to avoid predators. (Image: Canva)
7/10
7. Tongue built for Multitasking: Its long, flexible tongue helps the okapi grab leaves, groom itself, and even explore tricky nooks. (Image: Canva)
7. Tongue built for Multitasking: Its long, flexible tongue helps the okapi grab leaves, groom itself, and even explore tricky nooks. (Image: Canva)
8/10
8. Masters of Camouflage: Okapis use their striped patterns and stealthy movements to remain unseen, even in dense forests. (Image: Canva)
8. Masters of Camouflage: Okapis use their striped patterns and stealthy movements to remain unseen, even in dense forests. (Image: Canva)
9/10
9. Symbol of Congo Diversity: The okapi represents the rich biodiversity of the Congo, elusive and rarely spotted in the wild. (Image: Canva)
9. Symbol of Congo Diversity: The okapi represents the rich biodiversity of the Congo, elusive and rarely spotted in the wild. (Image: Canva)
10/10
10. The Forest Spirit: The okapi is a mysterious guardian of the Congo rainforest, symbolising its rich biodiversity and hidden wonders. (Image: Canva)
10. The Forest Spirit: The okapi is a mysterious guardian of the Congo rainforest, symbolising its rich biodiversity and hidden wonders. (Image: Canva)

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