The Burrhel, or Blue Mountain Sheep, (Ovis burrhel), also of northern India, is of quite a different mould from the preceding species. Its countenance has almost a benign expression, and its curious out-pointing horns, of large size give it a most jaunty air. By some it is regarded as the most beautiful of all mountain sheep. In size, however, it is not imposing, for it is one of the smallest species. It is not so hardy as the preceding species, and there may be periods when there are no specimens on exhibition.
The Aoudad, or Barbary Wild Sheep, (Ovis tragelaphus), comes from the hot, dry mountains of northern Africa, and it endures the cold, wet climate of New York in a manner sufficient to put to shame our American mountain sheep, goat and other western ruminants. The largest male Aoudad of our herd is a very fine specimen of its kind. He is as fond of admiration as any peacock, and often poses in striking attitudes on the highest point of his rocks. He was born here on March 19, 1902.
The Himalayan Tahr, (Hemitragus jemlaicus), is really a wild goat, of very odd and picturesque aspect, native of the higher ranges of the Himalayas of northern India. Its horns are short and thick, and its body is covered with long, purplish-brown hair which is much blown about by the wind. It dwells amongst the most dangerous crags and precipices, just below timber-line, and in reality is a forest-loving animal. Its hair is the longest to be found on any member of the two subfamilies of goats and goat-like animals. The pair on exhibition have bred here, and the young have been successfully reared to maturity. The young Tahr is very small, but remarkably nimble-footed and capable.
The Chamois, (Rupicapra tragus), has usually been represented in the hoofed-animal collection, but always out of its proper installation. Our individuals have not thriven on Mountain Sheep Hill, always becoming ill soon after being placed there. They thrive well, however, in a small wire pen with a sanded floor quite near the Puma and Lynx House (No. 33A), and there we keep them.
This animal is one of the rock antelopes, and is related to the American Mountain Goat. It is a bold mountaineer, and even to-day is pictorially represented as leaping “from crag to crag” across chasms apparently 200 feet wide! Its home is in the mountains of southern Europe, especially the Pyrenees, the Swiss Alps and the Caucasus Mountains. But it is not so exclusively a crag-dweller, as most persons have been led to suppose, for in many localities it inhabits mountain forests. Like most other mountain ungulates, the Chamois dwell high in summer, and in winter they seek lower and more sheltered situations. They are exceedingly wary and agile, and sure-footed on dangerous ground.
THE ANTELOPE HOUSE, NO. 50.
The Antelope House occupies a commanding situation on a high, tree-covered knoll at the south end of the Zoological Park. The situation seems as if specially formed by Nature to be occupied by this building, and its outside enclosures. The drainage is quite perfect, and the yards are well-shaded.
The building has been designed to meet the wants of giraffes and large African antelopes of all kinds, more especially those which require 60° of heat in winter.
NILGAI: INDIAN ANTELOPE.