Fossil Rim - Thomson's Gazelle

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thomsons gazelle


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Gazella thomsonii

Area of origin: Arid regions of southeastern Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzasnia

Conservation status: stable

They can run up to 65 mph.

Females can have up to two calves per year by coming into a post-partum estrous after the first calf is born.

When a gazelle leaps vertically into the air, this is called "pronking."

Our Herd
These gazelle exhibit the black face stripes common in desert species, to keep the sun's glare out of their eyes. You'll find our five Thomson's in the white rhino yard grazing for food and sleeping during the heat of the day. The word "gazelle" brings to mind grace and beauty. Gazelle are all graceful, dainty, and very alert.

How they Behave
Gazelles are very nervous, flighty animals. They don't usually mix with other animals and will leap up and bound away when startled. Generally in the wild they will congregate in groups of 10 to 30 females with their young. Males will form small groups as well. Dominant males will establish territories and will temporarily control the females that enter.