The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is a mammal belonging to the same family as the giraffes.
Because of the zebra-like stripes on its legs and buttocks, it is often confused with this animal.
The okapis are solitary creatures, that gather only to mate. The only groups are those of the mother and her calf.
The okapis live deep in the Congo jungle.
The okapis mark their territory either with an oily substance from their own legs or by urinating.
This species lives in altitudes of 500 to 1000 m, although they can venture to higher altitudes in the mountainous forests of the east.
The diet of an okapi includes tree leaves, grass, ferns, fruits and mushrooms.
The existence of the okapi was first confirmed in Congo in 1901.
The okapis have a long tongue, which they use mainly to pull leaves from trees. They also use it to clean their eyelids and even to... the ears!
Okapis are ruminant animals, which means they regurgitate what they eat, chew it again and swallow it again.
Like giraffes, okapis have small horns covered with skin.
The only time a female okapi vocalizes is when it is in breeding season.
The young of an okapi defecates for the first time between 4 and 8 weeks of birth.
The leopard is the only predator of the okapis.
An okapi can live from 30 to 33 years.
.
