The beautiful and endangered okapi is shy, secretive, and elusive. They are found in the dense tropical rainforests of central Africa, and their reddish coat and zebra-like stripes help them disappear quickly in dense foliage. They are the closest living relative to giraffes. The L.A. Zoo is home to two okapi named Jackson and Opey. Jackson is curious and enjoys snacking on butternut squash. Opey is known for her gentle demeanor, and has had two calves over the years at the Zoo. While discovered

8.3K views · 736 reactions | In the wild, the incredibly shy okapi is...

In the wild, okapi can only be found in the Ituri Rainforest in the Congo. They are famous for being the last large mammal discovered in Africa in the early 1900s. Stop by to see our okapi pair, Sukari and Kwame, next to our Asian elephant bachelor yard. Watch this week’s replay to learn more: bit.ly/2wHMYBw | Houston Zoo

Despite being the only living relative of the giraffe, the okapi was unknown to the Western world until the early 1900s. It lives deep in the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it incredibly difficult to spot in the wild. Its camouflage — dark body with zebra-like stripes on its legs — helps it blend into the shadows and dappled light of the forest. Because of its shy, solitary nature and remote habitat, even researchers and conservationists rarely see them in the wild