The 1/1 Okapi GRFF

 The 1/1  Okapi GRFF 

The okapi (oh·kaa·pee), or Forest Giraffe, lives in the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Often called the “forest giraffe,” it’s related to giraffes but looks quite different.

Appearance and Features

Okapis have a unique look. Their body is mostly brown, but their back legs and rear have white stripes, similar to a zebra. This pattern helps them blend in with the forest shadows. An adult okapi stands about five feet tall at the shoulder and weighs between 440 to 660 pounds.

Like giraffes, okapis have long tongues – up to 18 inches in length. They use this tongue to eat leaves from trees and even clean their own ears and eyes. Okapis also have long necks, though not as long as a giraffe’s.

The Okapi-Giraffe Connection

1. Family Ties: Okapis and giraffes are the only living members of the Giraffidae family.
2. Recent Common Ancestor: They shared a common ancestor about 11-12 million years ago.
3. Genetic Similarity: 19.4% of their proteins are identical, confirming their close relationship.
4. Shared Features:

• Long, prehensile tongues
• Skin-covered horns (ossicones)
• Similar skeletal structures

1. Evolutionary Adaptations: Both species show adaptations in genes related to cardiovascular and skeletal development.
2. Different Habitats: Giraffes evolved for savannas with long necks and legs, while okapis adapted to dense forests with a more compact form.
3. Research Value: Okapi genomes help scientists understand giraffe evolution.

Habitat and Behaviour

Okapis prefer to live alone in dense rainforests with tall trees. They’re active during the day, eating various plants including leaves, buds, grasses, ferns, fruits, and fungi. Interestingly, okapis can eat some plants that are poisonous to other animals. They do this by also eating charcoal and clay, which helps neutralise the toxins.

To mark their territory, okapis leave a sticky substance from glands on their feet. Male okapis cover larger areas than females, with territories up to 12 square kilometres compared to the female’s 5 square kilometres.

Reproduction

Female okapis usually have one calf at a time after being pregnant for about 440 to 450 days. Newborn calves can stand within 30 minutes but stay hidden for the first two to three months. Young okapis can avoid ‘going to the bathroom’ for up to 60 days, which helps keep them safe from predators.

Conservation Status

Okapis are endangered. Their population has decreased by more than half in just three generations. The main threats are habitat loss, hunting, and civil unrest in their native area.

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve, created in 1992, protects a large part of the okapi’s habitat. However, illegal mining, hunting, and forest clearing continue to threaten these animals. Conservation groups like the Okapi Conservation Project are working to protect okapis and their forest home.

One-of-a-Kind Like the 1/1 Okapi Trait in the GRFF Collection
The okapi’s distinctive look is reflected in the GRFF collection’s 1/1 Okapi trait—a true standout, just like the okapi in the wild. Both remind us that sometimes standing out from the crowd is a powerful thing. Owning this 1/1 Okapi GRFF is a nod to individuality, survival, and the importance of protecting the extraordinary.

Let’s all be extraordinary like Okapi!

Nic Scarce

WandrLust Co-Founder

Citations:

1. Okapi, facts and photos – National Geographic
2. Okapi – Wikipedia
3. The Okapi – Okapi Conservation Project
4. ADW: Okapia johnstoni – Animal Diversity Web
5. Okapi | The Maryland Zoo
6. Okapia johnstoni – Animal Diversity Web
7. Okapi – National Geographic
8. The Relationship Between Giraffes and Okapis – Smithsonian Magazine
9. Okapi Conservation Project – About the Okapi
10. Giraffe and Okapi Genetic Studies – PLOS ONE