Okapi...

Amazing animal world is full of surprises. One of the most endangered species is named after its okapi (Lat. Okapia johnstoni ). Who is he, the horse, antelope, zebra? No, dear readers.  okapi and forest giraffe !The animal has a very unusual form velvety coat color of dark chocolate with red tints, limbs decorated with intricate black-and-white cross pattern, and color (males only) - two small horns.Moreover the language of such magnitude that the okapi can wash out their eyes. Almost 250 pound beast is about two meters in length with a height (at the withers) 160 centimeters. Female - slightly higher than their cavaliers.

The real sensation of the last century was the discovery of the okapi. Traveler, naturalist Henry Stanley in 1900, made ​​it to the Congo basin. Contrary to his expectations, the natives showed no surprise to see the horses scientist. Moreover, they were told that live in the forests of such animals and they are called the okapi. But then the scientist has not received any evidence of strange animals.Only a few years later, the Royal Zoological Society managed to get a piece of animal skin, which is listed as a specific type of horse . And when in their possession was a complete skin and two skulls " forest horse ", and was sensational discovery: the animal belongs to the order of extinct animals.

Where is the okapi lives , this miracle of wildlife? Only in Africa, in the Congo. Rare species of mammals can not adapt to different climatic conditions. Only a few zoos in the world can boast the presence of the okapi (160 individuals). The exact number of forest giraffe in the wild - is unknown. Massive deforestation certainly entails a reduction in their population.

Red Book of World status conferred okapi rare animals.