Okapi

Okapi

  Although it is related to the giraffe, its neck and legs are shorter. The coat of the okapi is sleek and deep brown, almost purple, with the sides of the face pale white, and the forehead and ears may have a dull reddish cast. The buttocks, thighs, and tops of the forelegs are horizontally striped with black and white, and the lower parts of the legs are white with black rings above the hooves. Male okapis average about 2.5 metres (about 8 feet) long and stand about 1.5 metres (about 5 feet) at the shoulder. Adult males typically weigh 200–300 kg (about 440–660 pounds). Adult females are slightly taller and weigh 25–50 kg (55–110 pounds) more than adult males. The eyes and ears of both sexes are large, and the tongue is long and prehensile. The male has short horns that are completely covered by skin except at the tips. Most females do not possess horns, though they often display knobby bumps in their place.

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi

Okapi