The Gemsbok is a large antelope that is native to the deserts and savannas of Africa. This animal gets it's name from the long, sharp and very straight black horns that adorn it's head which can grow up to a meter long! Gemsbok has many different names depending on where in Africa they are found such as corral buck, oryx and river horse. Male Gemsbok can weigh up to 320 lbs (145kgs) while females can get up to 220lbs (100kgs). When standing fully upright this beautiful creature measures around 6ft tall at their shoulders.
With impressive horns like these we hope you don't mind if we also mention that male gemsbok use them for fighting other males.
Gemsbok can run up to 50 mph (80 kph)! That's only slightly slower than the top speed of a race horse.
The Gemsbok is sometimes confused with the Oryx because it has almost identical colouring, but male gemsbok lack the large horns that adorn the heads of Oryxs.
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