Gerenuks - Neck Length: Approx. 0.8 ft. (0.24 m)

The Gerenuk, also known as the giraffe gazelle, is a long-necked antelope found in parts of East Africa. The sole member of the genus Litocranius, the gerenuk was first described by the naturalist Victor Brooke in 1879. They reproduce throughout the year. The gestation period is about seven months. They are born one at a time, weighing about 3 kg at birth.

Gerenuks are herbivorous creatures that eat fruits, flowers, thorny shrubs, and shoots. They can reach plants growing up to 6 to 8 feet tall by using their muscular rear limbs and 0.8-foot-long necks. Gerenuks are able to stand unaided and browse even taller shrubs thanks to their modified lumbar spine and unique wedge-shaped hooves. The gerenuk does not drink water regularly. Major predators of the antelope include African wild dogs, cheetahs, hyenas, lions, and leopards.