Zoo Tycoon Profile: Gemsbok

The Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) is a large antelope in the Oryx genus. It is native to the arid regions of Southern Africa, such as the Kalahari Desert. Gemsbok are light brownish-grey to tan in colour, with lighter patches toward the bottom rear of the rump. Their tails are long and black in colour. A blackish stripe extends from the chin down the lower edge of the neck, through the juncture of the shoulder and leg along the lower flank of each side to the blackish section of the rear leg. They have muscular necks and shoulders, and their legs have white 'socks' with a black patch on the front of both the front legs, and both genders have long, straight horns.

When threatened, it lowers its horns parallel to the ground and lunges with great accuracy to fend off lions and other predators. Gemsbok are also swift runners that can outpace a horse or a pack of African wild dogs. Gemsbok can survive dry seasons by eating melons and plant bulbs. They can reach running speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph).

Social: Gemsbok live in herds of about 10-40 animals, which consist of a dominant male, a few nondominant males, and females. Young males form together into single gender bachelor herds until they are old enough to maintain their own territory and acquire a herd of females.

Size: 3.9 feet at the shoulder, 75 to 94 inches in length and the tail measures 18 to 35 inches. Males weigh 490 to 660 lbs. and females weigh 220 to 460 lbs.