When Were Okapis Discovered?

Okapis were discovered in 1901 by Harry Johnston.

Adopt An Okapi

I encourage you to donate to Adopt An Okapi or any other donation site. These organizations are run by experts who will spend your money the right way. They will find a way to get the most out of what you donate.

http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Okapi?sc=AWY1200WCGCC&gclid=Cj0KEQjwhPaqBRDG2uiHzpKLi6ABEiQAk_XXiaAtPKNdRu8KwXq84q1oYON2izEtHGcb2X5tTvi6MtgaAjOH8P8HAQ

How To Correctly Pronounce 'Okapi'

oh-keh-pee, not o-kah-pee!

A Solution to the Problem!!!!!

Lots of different organizations provide lots of different plans to save okapis. Some scientists say that the most we can do is save the okapis in the US now, while others say we should focus on medicating and defending the habitat of the okapis in the DRC. But, in my opinion, the most plausible plan was to send rangers into the DRC to monitor the okapis and keep them safe from poachers. 

The Importance of Okapis

Okapis are very important.They are a big part of the Congo tradition. In fact, they are the official DRC symbol. These shy animals appear in legends, stories, and myths passed down from generation to generation in Congo. They are not recognized for the part they have played in developing Congo's culture. Not only are okapis a big part of the DRC, but they are vital to the African Eco-System. They help to keep the light streaming in through trees in balance by eating leaves. This keeps a consistent temperature throughout the Ituri Rain forest. They also are a food source for the leopard.

Effects/Ramifications of Issue

The okapi species is going extinct, which is bad enough, already. Not only are we in the process of losing an animal, but other animals may be effected, too. If okapis are not around to eat mature leaves at the bottom of the forest, than there would be more epiphylls-covered leaves clouding the canopy and blocking sunlight. This could stunt new plant life and freeze animals depending on the sun for warmth. Also, some animals that use sun for camouflage would be more visible to there predators. That could even cause more animal extinctions. Lots of bad things would come out of the okapi going extinct, and, with their rapid decrease in population, more and more bad things are happening.

How many animals can you find in this photo?

Where Is The Problem Occurring?

Okapis live in a dense rainforest called Ituri, located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Though most okapi-related drama occurs in Central Africa, there are a few organizations in other places trying to help. For example, there is a group of okapi scientists in the United States called the Wildlife Conservation Society, though their ultimate goal is to help all animals, their current focus is the Okapi. Also, in Europe, a group called the Okapi European Endangered Species Programme is assisting in the fight. Many reserves are being set up all over the world to keep the okapi safe now that Ituri animal inhabitants are being poached. 

Why Okapis Are Important To Me

Okapis are important to me because they are really amazing creatures. I saw an okapi once and was instantly interested in them. I've kept my love for okapis with me my entire life so far and hope to until I'm really old. I even bought an okapi stuffed animal, but I was disappointed that it wasn't realistically accurate or proportionate. When I learned that okapis were endangered and could potentially go extinct, I wanted to do something about it. But, I had never gotten the chance to until now.

Why Do Okapis Need Help? (Explanation of Issue)

There are estimated to be on the lower side of 10,000-35,000 okapis left in the world (IUCN). That number should be much larger. Attacks on the Okapi Conservation Project (DRC) in 2013 killed 13 okapis and many more just like that instance take place all over the world. Also, due to habitat loss, they are being forced into small areas of land with one of their biggest predators; the leopard.

Spread the Word

One way to help the okapis is to spread the word. Tell your friends about why okapis need their help and what they can do to make a difference. The more people we spread awareness to, the more help the okapis get. Spreading the word is a great way to make a big impact and help the okapis.

What is an Okapi?

Very few people know what an okapi is. They are rare animals with shy personalities. These are a few of their appearance traits:

-'Zebra stripes' on their legs
-Horse-like body
-Small horns
-Long tongues

What are your Okapi Experiences?

Have you ever seen an okapi? Do you have an okapi story to tell? If so, leave it in the comments below. Be sure to include your name and where you where when the event took place in the story, too. Thanks!