The Okapi was unknown to European scientists until 1900 because it is a timid animal living singly or in small groups in the densest parts of the forest. Okapi are largely nocturnal and their elusive way of life explains why they remain a little-known species. Okapi are browsers, feeding on a wide variety of leaves, twigs and fruits which they gather with their long tongues. The Okapi is the closest relative of the Giraffe and the species share some features. Young male Okapi have short skin-covered horns similar to those of the Giraffe and both species have a long extendable black tongue.
Females indicate that they are on heat by urine marking and calling.
This is followed by long courtship displays leading to mating. One calf is born, between August and October, and remains hidden for the first few weeks after birth. It is weaned within 6 months. The main threats to the Okapi are hunting and, in some areas, destruction of their habitat. There are relatively few Okapi in captivity.