The BBC reports that the keepers at Chester Zoo, commenting on the birth of four Scimitar-Horned Oryx calves, say it "will play a vital part in the conservation of the species." they're not kidding: the Scimitar-Horned Oryx were hunted for their horns, almost to extinction (despite there being a few unconfirmed sightings of them in the wild). Naturally, being docile, ruminant, cloven-hooved and used to arid/near-desert conditions with the ability to go without water for long periods - if you want to know the details..."because their kidneys prevent loss of water from urination and they can modify their body temperature to avoid perspiration." - OK?...all this means that despite the 'EW' (Extinct in the Wild see below) they are 'thriving' in pampered captivity."As the name implies, this antelope's most distinctive feature is its impressive scimitar shaped horns, up to 125cm long. It is the only oryx whose horns curve backwards." [Chester Zoo] The calves are still with their mums but will be weaned towards the end of summer; proud father Ronnie only arrived last year; he fathered all four calves so there's no doubt that he clearly understands what he was brought to the zoo to do!
The breed is listed on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) list as extinct in the wild.
Image link to Wikipedia IUCN breed status definitions...
1 comment:
Interesting post Span(but they always are)
I know some Zoo's are terrible places and have been in the past but I think its too easy to condemn them without first checking out the work that they do...
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