Okapis - Disney Animals
Okapis at Walt Disney World Resort
The elusive striped okapi may be a rare sight in the wild, but you’ll get the chance to spot them here.
At Disney’s Animal Kingdom park, you may see okapis while trekking along the Gorilla Falls Exploration Trail or on the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction. You can get an up-close look at these gentle creatures during Sense of Africa, a program offered at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Okapis in the Wild
Okapis (pronounced Oh-COP-ees) were virtually unknown to the Western world until 1901. Don’t let the stripes fool you—the okapi is related to the giraffe, not the zebra. In the wild, they’re native to just one place—the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Okapis at Disney: Home Away from Home
Animal care experts bring the magic of the African rainforest to life by creating exhibits and diets based on the habits of okapis.
Ghosts of the Forest
Okapis are shy and reclusive animals. Combined with their amazing camouflage, it’s no wonder they are nicknamed the “ghosts of the forests.” Our okapi habitats include trees and brush to allow the okapis natural opportunities to rest, hide and explore—just as they do in the wild.
Care and Animal Training
Through training and positive rewards such as a tasty treat, our okapis learn to participate in their own health care. Following a verbal cue or hand signal, they will present different body parts for a visual exam. All training is accomplished through protective barriers to ensure the safety of both animals and people.
You Can Help Okapis, Too!
Reduce Waste and Upgrade Your Recycling
Mining for coltan, a mineral used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, contributes to the destruction of okapi habitats. Luckily, coltan is recyclable. When you recycle your old electronics, you help decrease the demand for additional coltan—and preserve the rainforests.
Use Forest-Friendly Products
Look for eco-friendly options the next time you buy school or office supplies. Purchasing notebooks, folders and pencils that are made of recycled materials can help reduce deforestation.
Discover More
Check out these sites and special offerings to find out more about how Disney is helping protect wildlife including okapis and their natural habitats—and how you can make a difference:
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*The Disney Conservation Fund is supported by The Walt Disney Company and Guests of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, with 100% of Guest contributions matched by Disney and directed to nonprofit organizations. Additionally, Disney covers all costs of managing the fund. The Disney Conservation Fund is not a charitable organization, and donations are not deductible as charitable contributions for US tax purposes.