Sable antelope

Habitat
Open and wooded savannah areas in Southeast Africa

Age
Up to 16 years

Weight
Females: 200-220 kg
Males: 220-250 kg

Height
1.1 – 1.45 meters

Gestation
8-9 months

Number of offspring
1 calf

Conservation status
Not threatened

Did you know that…

• The horns of the male can grow up to 165 cm long and are shaped like a curved saber, hence the name sable antelope.
• In the wild, sable antelopes will find bones to gnaw on in order to obtain extra minerals.
• Our sable antelope herd is part of the international breeding cooperation in zoos worldwide. Therefore, you will regularly see calves of different sizes on the savannah, as our male is particularly good at his job.
• The male utilizes the Flehmen response, similar to horses, where he tastes the female’s urine to determine if she is in estrus.
• Calves are born with a light sandy-colored coat, making it easier for them to blend into the dry savannah grass. As they grow, the coat becomes darker and eventually almost black.
• If you see a calf lying by itself, away from the herd, it is quite natural. The female often places the calf aside during the day to feed on her own, without having to keep an eye on the calf at the same time.
• The sable antelope is also known as the black horse antelope.

Meet the sable antelopes on the Savannah.