Often referred to as the ‘ghost of the forest’ the okapi is one of the most interesting, elusive and endangered animals on the planet.
This fascinating animal can only be found in the tropical rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and its livelihood is threatened by various human influences.
World Okapi Day is here to improve public awareness about this animal and help restore its place in the tropical rainforests of Africa.
How to Celebrate World Okapi Day
Looking for some ideas on how to dive into celebrating World Okapi Day? Step out with a few of these to get started:
Learn Fun Facts About Okapi
One exciting way to celebrate World Okapi Day, for both adults and kids, might be to learn some interesting trivia and tidbits of information related to this unique creature.
Check out a few of these or do some of your own research to learn more:
- Okapi is the only living relative of the giraffe and they are known for the zebra-like stripes they often have on their upper legs
- Their velvety and oily fur is typically reddish-brown or even dark purple, and it helps the okapi to remain waterproof in their rainforest home
- This species is so elusive that, although it was known of by indigenous peoples, it was not known about by scientists globally until 1901 and the first photo captured of an okapi in the wild didn’t occur until 2008
- Like its cousin, the giraffe, the okapi has a tongue that is very long – long enough to clean its own eyes and ears!
Help an Okapi Organization
Get involved by making a donation or volunteering to support an organization that helps keep okapi safe.
For instance, the Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) in the DRC has been functioning since 1992 and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is run by the Okapi Conservation Project, the founder of this important day.
Share with Others
Take to social media on this important day and share with others in your sphere of influence about this special cause.
Post some photos, share links of the conservation project, or get others excited about fun facts regarding this enchanting but endangered animal.
The more people who know about it, the more support can be given and the more changes can be made!
History of World Okapi Day
Getting its start in 2016, World Okapi Day was founded by the Okapi Conservation Project with the purpose of raising awareness and promoting the cause of this endangered animal.
The day is also recognized and promoted by other organizations who have gotten involved over the years, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission’s Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group.
Although the elusivity of this animal makes their numbers hard to determine in the wild, experts believe that populations continue to dwindle due to deforestation, poaching, illegal mining and other human threats.
World Okapi Day offers an ideal opportunity to show support for this amazing animal!
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