Covered in extraordinary markings, okapi are elusive, shy and gentile, and nearly impossible to observe in the wild due to their secretive nature.
Okapi (Okapia johnstoni), Congo, circa 1910 | +
See photos of mammals from photographer Joel Sartore's Photo Ark project.
Young Okapi, approx. 5 weeks old. Taken at Bristol Zoo, UK.
Oiseau de légende, le quetzal resplendissant n’est pourtant pas un mythe : cet animal fabuleux vit dans la forêt tropicale d’Amérique centrale. Discret malgré son plumage spectaculaire, il se dissimule dans le feuillage dense de la jungle et
okapi calf
No that isn't a giraffe hidden in there, it's a cousin, the Okapi!
With its striking stripes, the okapi may seem to resemble a type of zebra. However, this African mammal is actually a member of the giraffe family, and is the giraffe’s closest living relative. Okapis are native to the rainforests of Central Africa near the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite their small range, okapis are not considered endangered and have an estimated worldwide population of 10,000-20,000. Okapis have a similar body shape to giraffes but have a much shorter neck. They have zebra-like stripes on their legs and lower body, and reddish-black fur on their backs. Due to their rainforest habitat, this fur is oily to repel water. Okapis usually measure six to eight feet long and weigh between 440 and 660lb. Like giraffes, okapis have long and sticky tongues to help strip the leaves and buds they eat from trees, as well as wash their eyes and ears. Keeping eyes and ears clean is important to the okapi, as it must always listen and watch for its main natural predator, the leopard.
Ede the okapi was born on September 21 after its mother's 16-month-long pregnancy.
(via “Kissing Cousins” by Krys Bailey) Please do not remove credit or change the source!
okapi, (Okapia johnstoni), cud-chewing hoofed mammal that is placed along with the giraffe in the family Giraffidae (order Artiodactyla). It serves as the flagship species (a popular species that has become a symbol for the conservation of a region) for the Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Found in the rainforests of the Congo region, the okapi was unknown to science until 1901, when British explorer Sir Harry Hamilton Johnston sent the first bits of hide to the British Museum. However, British American explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley had made the first report of the animal as
Grevy's Zebras
We all know Giraffes for its famous neck with great length. But not many of us know how the giraffe got its long neck. Researchers have discovered genes that are vital for the development of
Decorate laptops, Hydro Flasks, cars and more with removable kiss-cut, vinyl decal stickers. Glossy, matte, and transparent options in various sizes. Super durable and water-resistant. The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is the lesser known cousin of the giraffe, living in the forests deep in the Democratic Republic of Congo. These beautiful creatures are endangered in the wild. Learn more about their conservation efforts here:
The okapi is the closest living relative of the giraffe. While it lacks its cousin's characteristic long neck, it shares features like the knobby ossicones on its head, and a distinctly long tongue. Scientific Name: Okapia johnstoni Characteristics: This detailed, accurate and realistic okapi figurine features the animal's unique coloration - a brown and black body with white striping along its legs and haunches, and white fur on the sides of its face. Size: This okapi toy figurine measures just under 5 inches in length and just under 4 inches in height. The Okapi figure is part of the Wild Safari® Wildlife collection. All of our products are Non-toxic and BPA free.
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