Okapi
In the wild
Scientific name: Okapia johnstoni
Status: Classified as Lower Risk
Distribution: The okapi is found in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the forested regions of Uganda
Type: Mammal
Diet: Herbivore
At Marwell Wildlife
The okapi are fed twice a day on a varied diet of giraffe nuts, oats, flaked maize, cabbage, carrots, onions and lucerne (type of hay). They also have a daily treat of either parsnips, broccoli, cauliflower or leeks.
The keepers cut browse branches to hang high to encourage the Okapi to browse naturally.
Did you know: the okapi is one of the few mammals that can lick its own ears.
About Okapis
Okapi are largely solitary and though once thought to be nocturnal, are now known to be active during the day. They are browsers, feeding on a wide variety of leaves, grasses, fruits and fungi which they gather with their long tongues.
The okapi is the closest relative to the giraffe and the two species share some features. Young male okapi have short skin-covered horns similar to those of the giraffe and both species have a long extendable black tongue.
Male and female okapi live in home ranges, but they are not territorial.
The main threat is loss of habitats to agriculture and encroaching human settlements. Hunting is also a problem in some regions.
Adopt an Okapi from £50.00
Our General Adoption scheme includes all this:
- A special Adoption Certificate
- Recognition at your adopted animal's home
- A photo of an Okapi
- A day pass to Marwell Wildlife
- An annual subscription to Marwell News
- Okapi fact sheet
- Presentation folder
- Access to online Adopters Zone
- Car sticker
Want to help even more? Choose Premium Adoption below!