Simon Pooley’s Discovering the Okapi is a compelling, deeply researched exploration of one of the world’s most enigmatic mammals—and the human stories that have shaped its ‘discovery’ by the Western world. The okapi Okapia johnstoni, found only in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is considered the closest living relative to the giraffe. Short-necked with zebra-striped legs, solitary and secretive, it was unknown to Western science until the dawn of the 20th century, and even today much remains unknown about this species.

Pooley begins by chronicling Western recognition of the okapi in 1900 by Sir Harry Johnston, a British colonial administrator and naturalist. From there, the book delves into the subsequent scramble by colonial powers to hunt, classify and display this enigmatic animal. This is not simply a tale of scientific curiosity—it is a story deeply entangled with imperial ambition, cultural politics and the biases of its time. Pooley examines how colonial politics and scientific racism shaped early accounts of the okapi, turning it into a symbol of both wonder and domination. Significantly, he highlights the central yet often neglected contributions of Indigenous African trackers and knowledge holders, whose expertise made Western knowledge acquisition possible. Pooley is candid about the limitations of his portrayal of African contributors, noting the scarcity of written sources and his inability to interview any of the many Africans involved in past and present okapi conservation. Whilst this acknowledgment adds integrity to the work, it underscores the need for more inclusive narratives. Despite these constraints, the book stands as a strong historical and political exposition from a Western scientific perspective, while conveying genuine respect for Indigenous knoweldge and viewpoints.

The book does more than recount historical events; it interrogates the narratives that have framed our understanding of nature. Pooley explores the okapi’s precarious existence, from its capture and exhibition in Western zoos to the conservation challenges it faces today. In doing so, he raises important questions about who gets to tell the story of a species and how those stories influence conservation practice.

While written in a largely scholarly tone, Discovering the Okapi is reasonably successful in bridging the gap between academic and popular science writing, combining rigorous historical analysis with vivid storytelling. At nearly 400 pages, the book’s depth may feel demanding for readers seeking a light natural history narrative. Yet the breadth of topics covered is remarkable: Victorian taxidermy, Belgian colonial exploits, Egyptian gods, African art, the evolution of Mbuti hunting techniques, and even practical advice on preventing female okapis from over-grooming their calves in captivity. The structure of the book is particularly engaging, mirroring the journey of Western science as knowledge about the okapi gradually builds. The okapi is slowly revealed to us as the chapters unfold and discoveries are made, piece by piece, saving for Chapter 12 the revelation that okapis communicate using infrasound, a discovery made only in 1990 when researchers at Dallas Zoo observed a mother and calf synchronizing their behaviour across separate enclosures. Pooley offers readers intriguing glimpses behind the scenes of his research—whether wandering through secret suburban warehouses or poring over dusty archives watched by Charles Darwin himself. Pooley’s wit also shines through in his subheadings, which both guide and entertain—titles such as ‘Taxidermy: Okapi Get Stuffed’ and ‘Reel Okapis’ are memorable touches that lighten the scholarly tone.

Discovering the Okapi reminds us that conservation is never just about animals; it is about people, power, and the stories we choose to tell. This book left me both enlightened and unsettled. I came away with a deeper understanding of colonial politics and scientific racism, and a profound empathy for the okapi—a species with no guaranteed future, yet a past rich with lessons.