World Okapi Day

With their velvet-dark coats and striped legs, okapis look almost mythical. Yet they are very real, sensitive, and intelligent beings who move quietly through the rainforest and rely on unique "infrasonic mutterings" inaudible to humans to communicate over long distances.

World Okapi Day is a chance for us to recognise their uniqueness and stand beside them. Together, we can ensure these extraordinary animals continue to thrive in the wild.

What is World Okapi Day?

Also sometimes called International Okapi Day, World Okapi Day was established by conservation organisations and wildlife advocates to shine a light on a species that is often overlooked, yet deeply vulnerable.

Observed each year on October 18th, the day brings together people around the world in support of okapis and the rainforests they call home.

When is World Okapi Day 2026?

World Okapi Day 2026 will take place on October 18th, 2026.

Every year, it provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the plight of okapis and renew our commitment to protecting them. It is a moment to learn more and take meaningful steps to help safeguard their future. 

3 facts about okapis

What is an okapi?

The okapi is a shy, forest-dwelling mammal known for its striking appearance. With striped legs and a deer-like body, it’s certainly a memorable animal. It has a long, flexible tongue (so long it can clean its own ears!) and powerful smell and hearing that help it survive in dense rainforest.

Where do okapis live?

Okapis live in dense tropical rainforests in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These forests provide shelter, food, and plenty of space to roam, while the thick vegetation allows okapis to stay hidden from predators. 

What do okapis eat?

Okapis are herbivores. They feed on leaves, buds, grasses, fruits, and fungi. By consuming a wide variety of plants and spreading their seeds through poo, okapis play an important role in maintaining forest balance and supporting biodiversity.

How many okapis are left in the world?

It is difficult to determine exactly how many okapis remain in the wild. They’re shy and live in dense forest, so accurate counting is a complex undertaking.

Current estimates range from around 50,000 to as few as 10,000 individuals, and it is clear that populations are declining. 

When we don’t know precisely how many animals remain, protecting every single one becomes even more vital.

How to protect the okapis

Okapis face growing threats that put their future at risk.

• Habitat loss is one of the greatest dangers. Forests are cleared for logging, mining, and agricultural expansion, shrinking the space okapis need to survive.
• Poaching and the wildlife trade also threaten okapis. Although they are technically protected by law, illegal hunting continues. Armed conflict in some regions further disrupts conservation efforts and damages fragile ecosystems.
• Endangerment and climate change compound these pressures. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns alter rainforest ecosystems, affecting food sources and forest health.

Protecting okapis means protecting their habitat, addressing the root causes of exploitation, and tackling climate change. We need to strengthen laws that defend wildlife and give communities sustainable alternatives to destructive practices.

Okapi Day FAQs

Are okapis related to giraffes?

Okapis are the giraffe’s only living relative. Although their necks are shorter, they share many anatomical features, including similar skull structures and long, prehensile tongues.

Are okapis related to zebras?

While their striped legs may resemble a zebra’s, okapis are not closely related to zebras. Their stripes merely serve to help them blend into dappled forest light.

Are okapis endangered?

Okapis are classified as endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and instability in their native range. Without strong protection measures, their numbers will continue to decline.

Are okapis real?

Okapis are very real. Often described as “forest giraffes”, they are one of the most extraordinary mammals on Earth. And with our support, they can remain part of our world for generations to come.