Mystery Animal of the Day

Mama Gnome Presents:


Mystery Animal of the Day


Its legs have stripes similar to a zebra's

Its body and face are similar to a giraffe's.

It's a herbivore and many of the plants it consumes are poisonous to humans.


Its existence is threatened by poachers, habitat destruction and wars.


If your answer is OKAPI, you win Mama gnome's admiration and virtual morning elixir.

And Mama gnome asks, "What are you doing then? Why don't you become a zoologist or animal rescuer or something..."








Photo by Raul654


Okapis are mammals and are closely related to the giraffe.

They are primarily diurnal animals which gnomelet says, "are animals that look for food in daytime and sleep at night."

Their feet have scent glands that secrete a tar like substance, marking their territory.

Okapis have the distinction of being the only mammals that have such long tongues that can clean their ears inside and out.

Their velvety fur is oily and can repel water which is pretty handy in a rain forest, Mama gnome thinks.

Mama gnome also says, "Aren't they just marvelous creatures?"

They are mostly solitary animals and favor large, secluded areas. But unfortunately, their habitat is diminishing.

They are native to the Ituri Forest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In 1992 an Okapi Wildlife Reserve was established. However civil war threatens both the animals and reserve workers.



video by Wildlife Direct

Mama gnome hopes you've enjoyed learning a little bit about OKAPIS.

Tune in again for our next MYSTERY ANIMAL of the DAY...

(c) 2009 Jenaelha Friendly Gnome's Blog