#19: Okapi and Orangutans
The okapi is a mammal native to the dense rainforests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has remained a mysterious and elusive creature for a long time. Ao much so that some believed it was a hoax. Its discovery and photographic evidence eventually dispelled the myth surrounding this elusive relative of the giraffe. On the other hand, orangutans, found in the lush rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, have captivated the human imagination for centuries.
In some local folklore of Sumatra, it’s believed that orangutans possess the ability to speak but choose not to, as they want to avoid being given tasks or chores! We can’t blame them. While this belief is rooted in folklore and mythology, it reveals the remarkable intelligence and complex social behaviors exhibited by orangutans.