How does the appearance of an okapi differ from the appearance of a giraffe?

Although the okapi and the giraffe are both members of the family Giraffidae, they differ significantly in appearance due to their distinct evolutionary adaptations.12

Physical Differences

• Stature and Build: The most notable difference is size. Giraffes are the tallest land animals, with males reaching heights exceeding 5.5 meters (18 feet) and females reaching about 4.5 meters (14.8 feet). In contrast, the okapi is much smaller, standing only about 1.5 meters (5 feet) at the shoulder. While giraffes possess extremely long necks and legs, the okapi has a much shorter neck and shorter legs.321
• Coat and Patterning: Giraffes are characterized by a coat featuring irregular brown patches on a light background. The okapi has a sleek, deep brown coat that can appear almost purple, with pale white sides on the face. A unique feature of the okapi is the horizontal black-and-white striping on its buttocks, thighs, and the tops of its forelegs, with white lower legs marked by black rings above the hooves.21
• Head and Horns: Both animals have prehensile tongues and horns, but their skull structures differ. Male giraffes possess heavy, knobbed skulls used for "necking" in social hierarchies. Male okapis have shorter horns covered by skin, while females typically display knobby bumps instead of horns.12