Okapis and Their Stripey Legs

Hi there! Let’s meet the okapi. An okapi looks a little like a giraffe with a dark brown body and stripey legs like a zebra.

1. Look: The okapi has a long neck, big ears, and white-and-dark stripes on its back legs.
2. Why the stripes? The stripes help the okapi hide in the forest. The lines break up its shape so it is harder for hungry animals to see. The stripes also help baby okapis find their mom when they walk through tall plants.
3. Where they live: Okapis live in a dense, leafy forest far away in Africa called the rainforest. The leafy shadows make the stripes work like magic!
4. Family: Okapis are related to giraffes. They are shy and like to stay where it is quiet and green.

Fun Activity

Try this drawing and game:

• Draw a big brown body and add stripey legs like the okapi.
• Color the stripes with white and dark brown or black.
• Play "stripe hunt" — look for stripes on dogs, clothes, or toys around your home.

Quick Questions

1) Why do okapis have stripey legs? (Answer: To hide in the forest and help babies follow their moms.)

2) Where do okapis live? (Answer: In the rainforest in Africa.)

Great job! You now know why okapis have stripey legs. Keep drawing and exploring!