Don’t think this is a Photoshopped blog this time, even though it looks like a zebra-deer-giraffe….
Well, I’m not sure what else it looks like. But, it does exist and is called an OKAPI. I chose this animal because it is interesting to look at and are recently declared endangered.
Okapi (Okapia johnstoni) are more related to giraffes and they live in the forest. Science was not aware of these animals until the early 1900’s and a lot of information we know about them come from captive populations. In the wild, you would find them in the Republic of Congo munching on leaves, grass, fungi and fruits.The leopard is its natural enemy, but the reason for its endangered status is because of destruction of its habitat. Civil war in the area also poses complications for those working to save the species.
Quick Facts:
Their tongue is long enough to clean their own ears
Male okapis have horns
They have been known to live up to 30 years in captivity