14K views · 917 reactions | Happy World Okapi Day! Did you know?...

A young okapi named Gates seemed to jump for joy as he explored and frolicked in his new habitat at the San Antonio Zoo in Texas. The okapi, which is native to Africa and genetically related to giraffes, was born on Sept. 2 according to the zoo. https://abcnews.visitlink.me/G-UZEm | ABC News

Deep in the heart of the Ituri Forest, the elusive okapi roams beneath the canopy, perfectly adapted to its lush rainforest home. 🌳 This “forest giraffe” plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem by consuming and dispersing seeds throughout its habitat. 🌱 Forests like the Ituri are irreplaceable, providing oxygen, storing carbon, and sheltering countless species. But deforestation and habitat loss threaten their future. Protecting okapi means protecting forests—and the countless life for