Okapi Wildlife (Kisangani Region)

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Réserve de Faune à Okapis) and surrounding Ituri rainforest near Kisangani protect the mysterious okapi, a relative of the giraffe found only in DRC's rainforests. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers 13,726 km² and is home to approximately 5,000 of the estimated 30,000 okapis remaining in the wild. The reserve also protects forest elephants, 13 primate species, and over 370 bird species. The okapi, with its zebra-striped legs and chocolate body, is DRC's national symbol.