An okapi, a little-known relative of the giraffe with parts of its body striped like a zebra, was spotted in the wild for the first time yesterday, and captured on film in the Democratic Republic of Congo yesterday.

This rare animal is kept in some zoos, but never has been captured on film in its native habitat. In fact, the species was unknown to Europeans a mere one hundred years ago. Though researchers set up cameras with the hopes of catching the okapi on film, it was not known if any remained in this area. 

This strange animal features the legs of a zebra and two small horns on its forehead, yet it is recognized as the closest living relative of the giraffe. Among other traits, it possesses a black tongue, the giraffe's signature. 

 Despite the rarity of this interesting creature, it is poached regularly, and it's meat is often available in area markets. If this hunting continues it is believed that this species could pass into extinction in the coming years. 

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