Okapi

THE FOREST GIRAFFE

Is it a zebra? Is it a horse? Is it a giraffe? Many have probably thought that the okapi looks like a mixture of several different animals when they meet it in the zoo. But the okapi is completely its own.

The okapi, also called the forest giraffe, is known for its dark brown body, large ears and charismatic, zebra-striped legs. Like giraffes, the okapi has horns made of bony cartilage and a long, flexible, black-blue tongue. The dark fur and striped legs provide effective camouflage in the rainforest. At the same time, the large ears and eyes make the okapi very sensitive, which helps it to detect potential enemies in time.

Unlike giraffes, okapis live alone. They are territorial animals that mark their territory using scent glands located under their hooves. Urine is also used as a scent marker and is spread on bushes and trees. During the mating season, females use scent marks in their urine to attract males and also emit mating calls, which enable the animals to find each other in the dense rainforest.

A female okapi is pregnant for 14-15 months and usually gives birth to a single foal. For the first two months, the foal stays hidden on the forest floor. The female alternates between foraging and staying with the young so that it can nurse. The foal nurses for about six months, but begins to eat solid food after about six weeks. The female is very protective of the foal and can kick out potential enemies if they come too close. Leopards and humans are the okapi's main natural enemies.