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Our herd
Among the African antelope, the ability of the gemsbok to survive in waterless areas
is second only to that of the addax. Eighteen females and a single male live at Fossil Rim. We're
not currently breeding the gemsbok, so the male lives separately from the
herd.
You'll find these animals in the middle pasture, resting or
grazing. Look for pale gray antelope with large black patches on
rump and upper hindlegs. Both males and females have the long, striking
horns which provide a formidable defense.
How they behave
The gemsbok primarily keep to themselves, but often rest near the fallow deer during the heat of the day.
Sometimes they behave aggressively towards other species, particularly the dams who are very protective of
their calves. Within the herd, sparring is more of a ritual than a serious battle. However, these animals can become very aggressive when isolated
in pens.
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