This month’s Animal of the Month is the incredible okapi!
To help your little explorers dive deeper into the life of this shy, forest-dwelling relative of the giraffe, we’ve gathered books, videos, and games—each tailored for different age groups—so every learner can explore and grow their curiosity about this rare animal.
🐾 Zookeeper (ages 3–5)
Perfect for curious preschoolers who love stories, colors, and cuddly creatures!
You Can Call Me Oglethorpe – by Deploy Stream: A delightful story introducing Oglethorpe the okapi, helping young readers recognize this gentle creature’s unique stripes and personality.
“Okapi” (Camp TV / PBS) – In this short video, Jessica from the Memphis Zoo meets Miraq the Okapi and teaches preschoolers about the okapi’s long tongue, velvety fur, and rainforest home.
The Rainforest – TinyTap: An interactive learning game introducing rainforest animals, their sounds, and their habitats.
Okapi I Spy: Look closely at your rainforest poster or around your home learning space—can you spot everything an okapi might need to survive? Encourage your child to point, count, and describe what they find!
🧠 Zoologist (ages 6–8)
Designed for growing readers ready for fun facts and mini nature adventures!
Facts About the Okapi – by Lisa Strattin: This vibrant nonfiction picture book is filled with real photos and fascinating tidbits about okapi diet, camouflage, and life in the African rainforest.
Okapi – 5 Minute Documentary: A quick and colorful educational video introducing kids to the okapi’s rainforest environment and its connection to the giraffe family.
Jungle Jeopardy – PBS KIDS Plum Landing: Build and balance a rainforest ecosystem by adding plants and animals—see what happens when the balance changes!
🌿 Conservationist (ages 9–12)
For older explorers ready to think like scientists and conservationists!
The Story of the Okapi (Fabulous Animals Series) – by Anita Ganeri: A captivating nonfiction book that explains the okapi’s discovery, anatomy, and conservation challenges, helping kids understand why this mysterious animal needs protection.
5 Weird, Wild & Wonderful Facts About Okapi – Brookfield Zoo Chicago (YouTube): You don’t have to trek into the Congo to meet the okapi—head to Habitat Africa: The Forest at Brookfield Zoo! Learn how this animal, often mistaken for a zebra or antelope, is actually a close cousin of the giraffe, and discover fascinating facts about its life and adaptations.
Rainforest Adventure – GameFools: A colorful online puzzle game where players match rainforest icons to restore balance to the jungle.
🌍 Extra Resources from edZOOcation
Looking to take your okapi learning even further? Explore exclusive edZOOcation activities created to bring wildlife education to life:
🎥 Okapi Habitat Hustle (Video Activity)
Move, learn, and play in the Ituri Rainforest! Spot rainforest animals and mimic their movements in this active learning adventure.
📚 Okapi Zoologist Book — Read Aloud
Listen along to this month’s featured book from the Okapi Box—perfect for story time, classrooms, and homeschool learning.
🎤 Interview with a Conservationist
A fantastic resource for curious kids who want to explore real-world conservation careers, this interview features John Lukas, the President and Founder of the Okapi Conservation Project. His team works tirelessly in the Democratic Republic of Congo to protect these gentle “forest giraffes” through community education, ranger patrols, and strong local partnerships.
Hear directly from John about the challenges and triumphs of safeguarding the okapi and its rainforest home, and discover meaningful ways your family can support efforts to protect this rare and remarkable species.
📦 edZOOcation Subscription Boxes
Looking for more wild discoveries? The edZOOcation Subscription Box delivers hands-on learning about the okapi and other incredible animals—connecting children to conservation through creativity, science, and fun, right at home.
🎁 What’s Inside This Month’s Box
Your Okapi Box is full of hands-on fun and creative discovery!
🖌️ Okapi Painting Kit – Paint your own okapi masterpiece
🔬 Paper Dissection Kit – Learn how okapi anatomy helps it survive
🌳 Ecosystem Poster & Stickers – Build a rainforest habitat scene
📖 Informational Animal Book & Activity Magazine – Read, learn, and play with okapi-themed puzzles and science facts
✉️ Postcard, Bookmark & Pen – Perfect for journaling or thank-you notes
🎟️ Sticker & Patch – Celebrate your wildlife adventures
🦒 High-Quality Okapi Plush – Your soft and snuggly rainforest companion
Each activity helps young explorers connect art, science, and conservation through hands-on discovery!
Customize your explorer’s box with:
🕷️ Spider Relocator
🔬 Microscope
🦺 Backyard Explorer Kit
✨ We’d love to see your little explorers in action! Share your okapi-inspired fun with us using #edZOOcation.
0 comments