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The Beisa Antelope, (Oryx beisa), is a good representative of the group of straight-horned antelopes found in the genus Oryx. Of all the long-horned species, the two Beisas and the Gemsbok of Africa, and the Beatrix of Arabia, are the only species possessed of horns that are practically straight from base to tip. The Gemsbok is the largest and most showy species, being painted like a harlequin, in a startling pattern of roan, black and white. The Beisa is a good second, however. The horns of all these antelopes grow to great length, and are excellent weapons for use in encounters with the smaller game-killing carnivores. The largest horns of record measure 40 inches.
The Beisa inhabits eastern Central Africa, from Suakin on the Red Sea southward to the Equator.
The Beatrix Antelope, (Oryx beatrix), of the Arabian Desert, is one of the rarest antelopes to be found in captivity, and at this date this interesting species is represented by a fine pair of specimens. The longest horns of record measure 26 inches. Very few sportsmen have seen this animal in its native haunts. Our pair has been breeding for three years, and has reared two young.
The Sable Antelope, (Hippotragus niger), is by many persons regarded as the handsomest of all the numerous species of African antelopes. In appearance it is very proud and high-headed; it has imposing horns that sweep backward in a semicircular curve; its large eyes and alert air betoken keen intelligence, and its glossy black coat, marked with pure white, render it a most conspicuous animal. On its native veldt it has now become a very rare species, and seldom is taken by sportsmen. The fine male specimen in the Park was presented by Miss Jean Walker Simpson.
LEUCORYX ANTELOPE
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The Sing-Sing Waterbuck, (Cobus unctuosus), is a creature of the lowlands, and frequents the dense tangles of tall reeds that border many of the rivers of West Africa, above the great equatorial forest. In captivity it sometimes is one of the most insanely nervous and irrational creatures imaginable, ever seeking self-inflicted injuries.