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

The Okapi (Okapia johnstoni), the sole living relative of the giraffe, possesses a shorter neck than its cousin but shares a horse-like physique, adorned with distinctive zebra-like stripes on its hindquarters and legs. Belonging to the artiodactyl family that is only found in central Africa. A full-grown Okapi typically reaches a height of around 5 to 6 feet at the shoulder and weighs between 440 to 770 pounds. Like history? Follow us @HistoryPhotographed 🌟 | History In Pictures