This Zebra-like Animal is The Relative of Giraffe

The okapi is a mammal found in the rain forests of Congo. It is also known as forest giraffe. Strangely enough, this animal was discovered only about a hundred years back. From the distance, the resemblance to the zebra is obvious. It has zebra like stripes on its hindquarters and upper legs, but the resemblance ends there. The skin is reddish brown in color. Actually, it is closely related to the giraffe. It is the only known relative of the giraffe. The neck is shorter compared to the giraffe. It can grow to a height of 1.5 meters and can weigh as much as 300 kilograms.

It has a life span of around 15 years. The gestation period is 14-15 months and the mothers are vigorous in protecting their young. The okapi can clean itself using its long black tongue. It has a well developed sense of smell and this ability is used to find suitable partners for mating. It is herbivorous and is a ruminant. It eats grass, leaves, shoots and fruits. The current population is estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000.