Okapi Berlin Zoo

If you are staying at any of the great hotels in Berlin, you are undoubtedly staying within walking distance of this zoo. It is located on the outskirts of the Tiergarten, the large park in the center of the city. The park itself is bigger than the country of Monaco.

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The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a giraffid artiodactyl mammal native to the Ituri Rainforest, located in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in central Africa. Although the Okapi bears striped markings reminiscent of the zebra, it is most closely related to the giraffe.

The genus name Okapia derives from the Lese Karo name o'api, while the species' epithet (johnstoni) is in recognition of the explorer Sir Harry Johnston, who organized the expedition that first acquired an okapi specimen for science from the Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The name "Okapi" is a portmanteau of two Lese words. Oka a verb meaning to cut and Kpi which is a noun referring to the design made on Efe arrows by wrapping the arrow with bark so as to leave stripes when scorched by fire. The stripes on the legs of the Okapi resemble these stripes on the arrow shafts. Lese legend says the okapi decorates itself with these stripes.

What to expect at the Berlin zoo.

Thousands of great animals included in a well laid out zoo/aquarium setup. I was surprised by the size of the place. Not just a cage with one or two elephants but, apparently, a whole african savanah with a herd of elephants. Not just elephants, but giraffes, lions, gorillas, kangaroos, polar bears, tigers, emus and, even, a glimpse of (not one, but two) okapi.

from wikipedia

"The Berlin Zoological Garden (German: Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest and internationally most well known zoo in Germany. Opened in 1844 it comprises an area of 35 hectares and is located in Berlin, Tiergarten. With almost 1,400 different species and around 14,000 animals the zoo presents the most comprehensive collection of species in the world.

The zoo and its aquarium numbered 3.2 million visitors in 2007. It is considered to be the most visited zoo in Europe and one of the most popular worldwide. Regular animal feedings are among its most famous attractions. Several globally known animals like Knut, the polar bear or Bao Bao, the Giant Panda are contributing to the zoo's public image.

The zoo is closely collaborating on scientific fields with a large number of universities, research institutes, and other zoos around the world. It maintains and promotes numerous European breeding programmes and safeguards several endangered species. A number of species kept at the 'Berlin Zoo' are regularly returned to the wild after years in intensive human care."

Okapi Berlin Zoo

A couple of nice places to eat, inside or out. Lots of signs pointing the way and a comprehensive zoo map in our guide book.

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Okapi Berlin Zoo

What to expect at the Berlin zoo.

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