Rediscover rare giraffe-like creatures in Congo

The zebra-sized giraffe walks in a forest in the Ituri conservation area, eastern Congo. ( Photo: Reuters ) Conservationists are happy to say they have obtained compelling evidence of the existence of a rare creature like a giraffe in Virunga National Park, Congo, in a trapped area. crushed by bloody conflicts.

Found for the first time here in 1901, this shy zebra deer has been "missing" from the park since 1959. They appear similar in appearance to the hybrid between giraffes and zebras with thighs and hind legs with stripes, with long neck. It is known that they still exist somewhere in the Congo, but fear it has become extinct in places once discovered by violence and turmoil.

However, a recent survey in this area by the WWF conservation group and the Congo Nature Conservancy found 17 zebra deer footprints and other evidence of their existence.

They have not recorded any images of the animal, but the footprints are so clear that it shows that the zebra deer is around. This creature is considered the closest living relative of a giraffe.

" Discovering zebra thighs in Virunga National Park is a positive sign, " said Marc Languy, WWF officer of the East Africa Program. " Because the country is returning to peace, the finding shows that these protected areas in this war zone have once again become a paradise for rare wildlife ."

T. An