
Oryx Camp
Basic Information
Located
Desert and steppe regions of Africa and the Arabian Penninsula
Diet
Primarily grass and other desert vegetation
Average Height
31 to 47 inches
Average Weight
450 pounds
Max Age
20 years in the wild, 27.5 years in captivity
Animal Sound
Did You Know?

Desert Survivors
Oryx can live for weeks without drinking water, getting the moisture they need from the plants they eat.

Built for Heat
They can raise their body temperature to avoid sweating, which helps them conserve precious water in the desert.

Long, Straight Horns
Both male and female oryx have sharp, straight horns that can grow over 3 feet long and are used for defense against predators.

Camouflage Coats
Their pale fur reflects sunlight, keeping them cool and helping them blend in with sandy surroundings.

Fast Runners
When danger approaches, oryx can sprint up to 40 miles per hour to escape predators.

Ancient Inspiration
The oryx’s elegant horns are thought to have inspired ancient tales of unicorns.

Mirage Travelers
Oryx can spot distant mirages and use them to navigate toward real sources of water or vegetation in the desert.

Dust Bath Rituals
Oryx roll in dry sand to coat their fur with dust, which helps protect their skin from the sun and keeps insects away.