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Gemsbok in Arizona
Gemsbok in Arizona
The GEMSBOK or gemsbuck (Oryx gazella) is
a large African antelope, of the Oryx genus.
The name is derived from the Dutch name of the
male chamois, Gemsbok. Although there are
some superficial similarities in appearance
(especially in the colour of the face area),
the chamois and the oryx are not related.
Gemsbok live in heards of about 10-40 animals,
which consist of a dominant male, a few non-
dominant males, and females. They often live
in association with zebras, gazelles or other
antelopes. The female's horns may be curved but
the male's are thicker and parallel. Male gemsbok
have been known to gore attacking lions with
their horns.
Gemsbok are mainly desert-dwelling and do not
depend on drinking to supply their physiological
water needs. The species was introduced to the
United States in the 1960s, in the area
surrounding White Sands Nat'l Mon. in New Mexico.
In Arizona, they live within the parameters of
Out of Africa Wildlife Park between
Cottonwood and Camp Verde, Arizona. An adult
Gemsbok can weigh up to 450 pounds (200 kilograms.)
Photo taken at Out of Africa Wildlife Park on
lcarreau
on Feb 15, 2008 2:25 pm
