Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

Common Eland

Taurotragus oryx

The Common Eland is the world's largest antelope.

Even though male Eland can weigh 1000kg (about as much as a car) these antelope are very agile and can easily jump a 1.5 metre fence from a standing start.

Eland have an unusual social life. They come and go, taking advantage of herd life when they need to without forming any close ties.

All Eland have long, spiral horns though the female's horns are shorter than the male's.

In Africa, Common Eland are highly valued for their good quality meat and milk, which has triple the fat and twice the protein of a dairy cow's.

Photographs by Justin Sullivan. Some text courtesy of Dubbo Western Plains Zoo

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