MARKHOR
In his own country, the Rocky Mountain Big-Horn is a bold, hardy and robust animal. He is high-headed, keen-sighted, and a sure-footed mountaineer. He dwells in the wildest and most picturesque country that he can find between the “bad-lands” of western North Dakota and the line of perpetual snow on the Rockies. His massive circling horns render his head a much-coveted trophy, and his flesh is most excellent food. A full-grown ram (Ovis canadensis) stands 41 inches in height at the shoulders, and weighs 316 pounds.
AOUDAD
PERSIAN WILD GOAT
This species ranges from the northern states of Mexico to northern British Columbia and it culminates (i. e., reaches its finest development) in southeastern British Columbia. In Northwest Alaska other related species occur. A female specimen from southeastern British Columbia was exhibited in the Zoological Park during 1905 and 1906, and in 1902, a male specimen of a closely related species (Ovis nelsoni) was also here.
As opportunities offer to procure male specimens, that have been kept in their home region until they are at least a year and a half old, they will be purchased and exhibited.
The Mouflon, (Ovis musimon), or Wild Sheep of Sardinia, is represented by a fine pair of specimens presented by Maurice Egerton, Esq., of London, and a young male born in the Park. The female of the adult pair was captured when a lamb in the mountains of Sardinia by Mr. Egerton. The ram of this species is handsomely colored, and this specimen is noted for his friendliness, and his fondness for admiration.
The Arcal Mountain Sheep, (Ovis cycloceros), is one of the smallest mountain sheep of India of the “big-horn” type (with circling horns). The fully adult male, with its long undermane of coarse, shaggy hair and proud postures, is a very noteworthy creature. This species inhabits the mountains of northern India, Tibet, Afghanistan, Beluchistan and southern Persia.