Okapi

A forest giraffe with zebra-striped legs, unknown to science until 1901/Large Land Animals

The okapi (Okapia johnstoni) is the only living relative of the giraffe, found exclusively in the dense Ituri Rainforest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite being nearly 1.5 meters tall at the shoulder, the okapi eluded Western science until 1901 due to its secretive nature and remote habitat. Its distinctive dark brown body and white-striped hindquarters provide camouflage in the dappled light of the forest floor. Like giraffes, okapis have long, prehensile tongues (up to 36 cm) used to strip leaves and buds from branches.