Tag Archives: eland

Six baby eland were born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia. Photo by Greg Gawthorne / Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, Australia is hearing the pitter-pattering of little hooves! The zoo welcomed six eland calves recently.

“Eland are a very special species for us here in Dubbo where we’ve welcomed over 150 eland calves since 1976, which is a pretty awesome achievement,” Keeper Ruby Cullen said.

A female eland calf in the shade at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Photo by Greg Gawthorne / Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

One hundred fifty eland calves have been born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo since 1976! Photo by Greg Gawthorne / Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Common elands are the second largest antelope species in the world. Native to east and southern Africa, elands have long spirally horns. The name “eland” means elk or moose in Afrikaans.

Though not considered endangered, common elands are threatened by habitat loss and poaching in their native habitat.

Learn more at the Taronga Western Plains Zoo website.