The captivating story of the okapi and its symbolic role in science, culture, and conservation.

In "Discovering the Okapi," Simon Poul offers an engaging portrait of the okapi—in a regal striped zebra-like creature native to the tropical forests of Central Africa’s Congo Basin—and analyzes the complex layers of Western science and indigenous knowledge that have shaped our understanding of this unique species.

Poul recounts the story of the "discovery" of the okapi in 1900 by British naturalist Sir Harry Johnston, as well as recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of indigenous Africans, whose experiences made this sighting and the subsequent sampling efforts possible. The book explores how colonial policies and scientific racism influenced the early descriptions of the animal and examines ongoing prejudices that continue to impact conservation efforts today.

The okapi has become a symbol of scientific curiosity, colonial power, and conservation challenges, revealing the complex intersections of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and environmental responsibility. Its fragile existence in captivity and in the wild demonstrates how Western and indigenous approaches to conservation can—and must—find common ground for its survival.