Snowleopard's Mammals: A Lifetime List of Species Mammalian and Non-Mammalian

You may have overlooked a species! Nubian red-necked gazelle Nanger dama ruficollis is not Nubian red-fronted gazelle Eudorcas rufifrons laevipes. Latter is more closely related to Thompson's Gazelle.

Mhorr are another extremely threatened species. Worlds zoos agreed to concentrate on two different forms. In the USA there should be all eastern, white-bodied form Nanger dama ruficollis and in Europe the western, red-bodied form Nanger dama mhorr. However, real subspecies of Mhorr gazelle may be quite different from their zoo designation.

Good catch and I'll make a quick edit. I meant to type Nubian Red-necked Gazelle as I have Red-fronted Gazelle ready to discuss on another day. That one is an extreme rarity! In fact, most gazelle species are found in very low numbers at zoos around the world.
 
If only Dallas Zoo (USA) would re-open the old monorail area as a walking trail, packed with a dozen or more hoofstock species. That would be amazing. Here's a Dama Gazelle at that Texas zoo:

full


@jbnbsn99
As far as I know this is what they intend to do eventually. I know some people from the Dallas Zoo recently visited Minnesota to examine the Treetop Trail and see how they could adapt something similar in Dallas. I recently had the chance to visit the Dallas Zoo for the first time since the Monorail’s closure, and the zoo just doesn’t feel the same without it. I really hope the pan for making it into a walking path comes to fruition!
 
Since the next group of gazelles are found in such low numbers, I'm going to analyze FOUR species in this post.

There used to be almost a dozen zoos in the USA with Cuvier's Gazelles but there's zero now. This species is left in 7 zoos between France and Spain and a couple in Africa and that's all that's on Zootierliste. Gone baby gone.

Goitered Gazelles are found at approximately double the zoos as Cuvier's Gazelles, but that's still not a lot and this species is likely to be entirely absent from North American collections.

There's loads of subspecies for the Dorcas Gazelle, also known as the Ariel Gazelle. I might have seen this species at San Diego Zoo in 2006, but I've definitely seen these guys at two other zoos.

Sand Gazelles are extremely rare and I've got them listed at only two zoos in my lifetime.

I've seen Cuvier's Gazelles at 6 zoos:

1- Greater Vancouver Zoo (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 1998
2- San Diego Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2006
3- Mountain View Conservation Centre (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2008
4- Saint Louis Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2010
5- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2011
6- Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2014

AND...

I've seen Goitered Gazelles at 5 zoos:

1- Alberta Game Farm/Polar Park (Canada) – Goitered Gazelle – 1975
2- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2006
3- Dallas Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2010
4- Minnesota Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2014
5- Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) – Goitered Gazelle – 2019

AND...

I've seen Dorcas Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- Houston Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2010
2- Naples Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2012

AND...

I've seen Sand Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2006
2- San Antonio Zoo (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2010

Cuvier's Gazelles are, somewhat surprisingly, the most common of the 4 gazelle species in this post and I've still only seen them at 6 zoos.

full


@SivatheriumGuy

I count 5 Cuvier's Gazelles (and an inquisitive Bactrian Camel next door) at San Diego Zoo (USA) in my photo from 2011. Horn & Hoof Mesa strikes again!

full


Lesser Kudu and Cuvier's Gazelles were mixed together at Saint Louis Zoo (USA) in 2010 in this exhibit within the Red Rocks zone.

full


I saw Cuvier's Gazelles with Northern Ground Hornbills when I visited Living Desert Zoo (USA) in 2011, but by the time I returned to that zoo last year the gazelles were gone. Here's my photo of the exhibit:

full


full


@Zoological Point

Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) had perhaps 15 Giraffes and a small herd of Cuvier's Gazelles together when I visited in 2014. Here's my shot of the exhibit and large barn:

full


As for Goitered Gazelles, they are also called Persian Gazelles and there's been changes in species and subspecies over the years.

full


@Tim May

There used to be a substantial herd of Goitered Gazelles at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) "back in the day".

full


@thor

Another large herd used to be located at Minnesota Zoo (USA) on the Northern Trail walking loop.

full


@geomorph

Here's my photo of the exhibit in 2014 and these days it holds Pronghorn.

full


Here's 3 species (Addra Gazelle, Goitered Gazelle, Scimitar-horned Oryx) in one shot at Dallas Zoo (USA):

full


@Baldur

I last saw Goitered Gazelles at Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) in 2019:

full


@Therabu

As for Dorcas Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice that I recall. Perhaps I saw some at San Diego Zoo (USA) in 2006 when I visited for the first time ever, but I'm not sure and so I left that facility off my list.

full


@pendraig_milnerae

I definitely saw at least one at Houston Zoo (USA) and check out this classic photo from the gallery. A single Plains Zebra, a Dorcas Gazelle, a Giant Eland and a couple of Nyala all in one shot!

full


@jbnbsn99

I saw a really nice exhibit at Naples Zoo (USA) that held Dorcas Gazelle, Greater Kudu and Impala all together.

full


As for Sand Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice as well. It's a bit confusing, as there is a similar species called Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica), but Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica) is the species that used to be in a half-dozen or more American zoos before the usual phase-outs began.

full


@Jakub

full


@Giant Eland

Family Bovidae: 34 species so far

American Bison - 104 zoos
Bongo - 58 zoos
Common Eland - 58 zoos
Greater Kudu - 51 zoos
Blackbuck - 45 zoos
Nilgai - 40 zoos
Impala - 38 zoos
Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Sitatunga - 29 zoos
Banteng - 27 zoos
Yak - 26 zoos
Nyala - 25 zoos
Cape Buffalo - 21 zoos (including 7 with African Forest Buffalo)
Gerenuk - 19 zoos
Lowland Anoa - 18 zoos
Asian Water Buffalo - 17 zoos
Gaur - 16 zoos
Lesser Kudu - 16 zoos
Muskox - 16 zoos
Springbok - 16 zoos
Wisent - 15 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Giant Eland - 5 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Steenbok - 3 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Mountain Anoa - 2 zoos
Royal Antelope - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Northern Bushbuck - 1 zoo
Saiga - 1 zoo

Bonus species: (similar to my New Guinea Singing Dog example)

Gayal - 2 zoos
 
Since the next group of gazelles are found in such low numbers, I'm going to analyze FOUR species in this post.

There used to be almost a dozen zoos in the USA with Cuvier's Gazelles but there's zero now. This species is left in 7 zoos between France and Spain and a couple in Africa and that's all that's on Zootierliste. Gone baby gone.

Goitered Gazelles are found at approximately double the zoos as Cuvier's Gazelles, but that's still not a lot and this species is likely to be entirely absent from North American collections.

There's loads of subspecies for the Dorcas Gazelle, also known as the Ariel Gazelle. I might have seen this species at San Diego Zoo in 2006, but I've definitely seen these guys at two other zoos.

Sand Gazelles are extremely rare and I've got them listed at only two zoos in my lifetime.

I've seen Cuvier's Gazelles at 6 zoos:

1- Greater Vancouver Zoo (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 1998
2- San Diego Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2006
3- Mountain View Conservation Centre (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2008
4- Saint Louis Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2010
5- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2011
6- Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2014

AND...

I've seen Goitered Gazelles at 5 zoos:

1- Alberta Game Farm/Polar Park (Canada) – Goitered Gazelle – 1975
2- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2006
3- Dallas Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2010
4- Minnesota Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2014
5- Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) – Goitered Gazelle – 2019

AND...

I've seen Dorcas Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- Houston Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2010
2- Naples Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2012

AND...

I've seen Sand Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2006
2- San Antonio Zoo (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2010

Cuvier's Gazelles are, somewhat surprisingly, the most common of the 4 gazelle species in this post and I've still only seen them at 6 zoos.

full


@SivatheriumGuy

I count 5 Cuvier's Gazelles (and an inquisitive Bactrian Camel next door) at San Diego Zoo (USA) in my photo from 2011. Horn & Hoof Mesa strikes again!

full


Lesser Kudu and Cuvier's Gazelles were mixed together at Saint Louis Zoo (USA) in 2010 in this exhibit within the Red Rocks zone.

full


I saw Cuvier's Gazelles with Northern Ground Hornbills when I visited Living Desert Zoo (USA) in 2011, but by the time I returned to that zoo last year the gazelles were gone. Here's my photo of the exhibit:

full


full


@Zoological Point

Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) had perhaps 15 Giraffes and a small herd of Cuvier's Gazelles together when I visited in 2014. Here's my shot of the exhibit and large barn:

full


As for Goitered Gazelles, they are also called Persian Gazelles and there's been changes in species and subspecies over the years.

full


@Tim May

There used to be a substantial herd of Goitered Gazelles at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) "back in the day".

full


@thor

Another large herd used to be located at Minnesota Zoo (USA) on the Northern Trail walking loop.

full


@geomorph

Here's my photo of the exhibit in 2014 and these days it holds Pronghorn.

full


Here's 3 species (Addra Gazelle, Goitered Gazelle, Scimitar-horned Oryx) in one shot at Dallas Zoo (USA):

full


@Baldur

I last saw Goitered Gazelles at Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) in 2019:

full


@Therabu

As for Dorcas Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice that I recall. Perhaps I saw some at San Diego Zoo (USA) in 2006 when I visited for the first time ever, but I'm not sure and so I left that facility off my list.

full


@pendraig_milnerae

I definitely saw at least one at Houston Zoo (USA) and check out this classic photo from the gallery. A single Plains Zebra, a Dorcas Gazelle, a Giant Eland and a couple of Nyala all in one shot!

full


@jbnbsn99

I saw a really nice exhibit at Naples Zoo (USA) that held Dorcas Gazelle, Greater Kudu and Impala all together.

full


As for Sand Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice as well. It's a bit confusing, as there is a similar species called Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica), but Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica) is the species that used to be in a half-dozen or more American zoos before the usual phase-outs began.

full


@Jakub

full


@Giant Eland

Family Bovidae: 34 species so far

American Bison - 104 zoos
Bongo - 58 zoos
Common Eland - 58 zoos
Greater Kudu - 51 zoos
Blackbuck - 45 zoos
Nilgai - 40 zoos
Impala - 38 zoos
Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Sitatunga - 29 zoos
Banteng - 27 zoos
Yak - 26 zoos
Nyala - 25 zoos
Cape Buffalo - 21 zoos (including 7 with African Forest Buffalo)
Gerenuk - 19 zoos
Lowland Anoa - 18 zoos
Asian Water Buffalo - 17 zoos
Gaur - 16 zoos
Lesser Kudu - 16 zoos
Muskox - 16 zoos
Springbok - 16 zoos
Wisent - 15 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Giant Eland - 5 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Steenbok - 3 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Mountain Anoa - 2 zoos
Royal Antelope - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Northern Bushbuck - 1 zoo
Saiga - 1 zoo

Bonus species: (similar to my New Guinea Singing Dog example)

Gayal - 2 zoos
Love the photo of the goitered gazelle at Dallas zoo. The species are very similar and they look like a family!:p
 
Since the next group of gazelles are found in such low numbers, I'm going to analyze FOUR species in this post.

There used to be almost a dozen zoos in the USA with Cuvier's Gazelles but there's zero now. This species is left in 7 zoos between France and Spain and a couple in Africa and that's all that's on Zootierliste. Gone baby gone.

Goitered Gazelles are found at approximately double the zoos as Cuvier's Gazelles, but that's still not a lot and this species is likely to be entirely absent from North American collections.

There's loads of subspecies for the Dorcas Gazelle, also known as the Ariel Gazelle. I might have seen this species at San Diego Zoo in 2006, but I've definitely seen these guys at two other zoos.

Sand Gazelles are extremely rare and I've got them listed at only two zoos in my lifetime.

I've seen Cuvier's Gazelles at 6 zoos:

1- Greater Vancouver Zoo (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 1998
2- San Diego Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2006
3- Mountain View Conservation Centre (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2008
4- Saint Louis Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2010
5- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2011
6- Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2014

AND...

I've seen Goitered Gazelles at 5 zoos:

1- Alberta Game Farm/Polar Park (Canada) – Goitered Gazelle – 1975
2- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2006
3- Dallas Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2010
4- Minnesota Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2014
5- Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) – Goitered Gazelle – 2019

AND...

I've seen Dorcas Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- Houston Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2010
2- Naples Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2012

AND...

I've seen Sand Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2006
2- San Antonio Zoo (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2010

Cuvier's Gazelles are, somewhat surprisingly, the most common of the 4 gazelle species in this post and I've still only seen them at 6 zoos.

full


@SivatheriumGuy

I count 5 Cuvier's Gazelles (and an inquisitive Bactrian Camel next door) at San Diego Zoo (USA) in my photo from 2011. Horn & Hoof Mesa strikes again!

full


Lesser Kudu and Cuvier's Gazelles were mixed together at Saint Louis Zoo (USA) in 2010 in this exhibit within the Red Rocks zone.

full


I saw Cuvier's Gazelles with Northern Ground Hornbills when I visited Living Desert Zoo (USA) in 2011, but by the time I returned to that zoo last year the gazelles were gone. Here's my photo of the exhibit:

full


full


@Zoological Point

Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) had perhaps 15 Giraffes and a small herd of Cuvier's Gazelles together when I visited in 2014. Here's my shot of the exhibit and large barn:

full


As for Goitered Gazelles, they are also called Persian Gazelles and there's been changes in species and subspecies over the years.

full


@Tim May

There used to be a substantial herd of Goitered Gazelles at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) "back in the day".

full


@thor

Another large herd used to be located at Minnesota Zoo (USA) on the Northern Trail walking loop.

full


@geomorph

Here's my photo of the exhibit in 2014 and these days it holds Pronghorn.

full


Here's 3 species (Addra Gazelle, Goitered Gazelle, Scimitar-horned Oryx) in one shot at Dallas Zoo (USA):

full


@Baldur

I last saw Goitered Gazelles at Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) in 2019:

full


@Therabu

As for Dorcas Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice that I recall. Perhaps I saw some at San Diego Zoo (USA) in 2006 when I visited for the first time ever, but I'm not sure and so I left that facility off my list.

full


@pendraig_milnerae

I definitely saw at least one at Houston Zoo (USA) and check out this classic photo from the gallery. A single Plains Zebra, a Dorcas Gazelle, a Giant Eland and a couple of Nyala all in one shot!

full


@jbnbsn99

I saw a really nice exhibit at Naples Zoo (USA) that held Dorcas Gazelle, Greater Kudu and Impala all together.

full


As for Sand Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice as well. It's a bit confusing, as there is a similar species called Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica), but Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica) is the species that used to be in a half-dozen or more American zoos before the usual phase-outs began.

full


@Jakub

full


@Giant Eland

Family Bovidae: 34 species so far

American Bison - 104 zoos
Bongo - 58 zoos
Common Eland - 58 zoos
Greater Kudu - 51 zoos
Blackbuck - 45 zoos
Nilgai - 40 zoos
Impala - 38 zoos
Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Sitatunga - 29 zoos
Banteng - 27 zoos
Yak - 26 zoos
Nyala - 25 zoos
Cape Buffalo - 21 zoos (including 7 with African Forest Buffalo)
Gerenuk - 19 zoos
Lowland Anoa - 18 zoos
Asian Water Buffalo - 17 zoos
Gaur - 16 zoos
Lesser Kudu - 16 zoos
Muskox - 16 zoos
Springbok - 16 zoos
Wisent - 15 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Giant Eland - 5 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Steenbok - 3 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Mountain Anoa - 2 zoos
Royal Antelope - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Northern Bushbuck - 1 zoo
Saiga - 1 zoo

Bonus species: (similar to my New Guinea Singing Dog example)

Gayal - 2 zoos
Rio de Janeiro imported a dorcas gazelle from Antwerp back in 1952, perhaps in order to replace the sitatunga. Its forerunner also held Gazella dorcas, as well as some sort of "Arabian antelope" (Antilope arabica), which I believe was an Arabian gazelle.
 
Yesterday I looked at FOUR gazelle species (Cuvier's, Goitered, Dorcas, Sand) and today I'm going to look at THREE more gazelle species. One thing about going through pages and pages of gazelle photos, is that so many of the types of gazelle look remarkably similar. Watching one in a zoo makes it tricky to instantly differentiate which species one is gazing at!

Of all the mammals with the word 'Gazelle' in their name, the most common for me has been the Addra Gazelle, far ahead of any others. In second place is the Thomson's Gazelle, which is a species that has held strong in North American collections, but is extremely scarce in the rest of the world's zoos. Almost every zoo where I've seen this species has been in North America.

Speke's Gazelles are only in around a dozen or so zoos on the planet, with almost all of them being in North America. Every zoo where I've seen Speke's Gazelles has been in the USA. Check out the photos and analysis below to see some rare mixed-species exhibits featuring Speke's Gazelles. White Rhinos, Okapis, etc.

The rarest gazelle for me has been the Red-fronted Gazelle as I've only ever seen that species at a single zoo. It's interesting to note that while some hoofstock was really common for me in Southeast Asia this past summer, that part of the world essentially has almost zero gazelles of any kind. There's plenty of Javan Rusa Deer, Lowland Anoas, Nilgai and other species, but gazelles are in short supply.

Ranking for mammals with the word 'Gazelle' in their name:

Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Thomson's Gazelle - 18 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Speke's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Red-fronted Gazelle - 1 zoo

I've seen Thomson's Gazelles at 18 zoos:

2008 = 6 zoos

1- Alberta Game Farm/Polar Park (Canada) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 1975
2- Woodland Park Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2005
3- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2006
4- Knoxville Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
5- Phoenix Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
6- Mountain View Conservation Centre (Canada) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
7- Disney’s Animal Kingdom (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
8- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
9- Zoo Miami (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
10- Milwaukee County Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
11- North Carolina Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
12- Baton Rouge Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
13- Audubon Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
14- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2011
15- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2012
16- Peoria Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2014
17- Artis Royal Zoo (Netherlands) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2019
18- Erlebnis Zoo Hannover (Germany) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2019

AND...

I've seen Speke's Gazelles at 11 zoos:

1- San Diego Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2006
2- Oregon Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2007
3- Saint Louis Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2010
4- San Antonio Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2010
5- Reid Park Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2011
6- Phoenix Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2011
7- Fresno Chaffee Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2011
8- Indianapolis Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2012
9- Houston Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2015
10- Los Angeles Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2017
11- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2023

AND...

I've seen Red-fronted Gazelles at 1 zoo:

1- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Red-fronted Gazelle – 2006

Seeing Thomson's Gazelles at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) has become a rite of passage for many zoo nerds, as that species has been there for decades.

full


@King of Komodo Dragons

Milwaukee County Zoo (USA) still maintains Thomson's Gazelles to this day.

full


@pachyderm pro

This exhibit held Thomson's Gazelles and a couple of Giraffes at Baton Rouge Zoo (USA) when I toured the zoo in 2010.

full


Another Louisiana facility, Audubon Zoo (USA), had Thomson's Gazelles with Common Eland that same summer.

full


Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (USA) had two exhibits for Thomson's Gazelles when I was there last year and one of the paddocks was flooded as that Arizona zoo practices an intriguing method of irrigation where some of the enclosures are covered in water. I even saw aviaries and gibbon cages with flooded floors.

full


Greater Kudu, Giraffes, Plains Zebras and Thomson's Gazelles all shared this space when I was at Artis Royal Zoo (Netherlands) in 2019.

full


As for Speke's Gazelles, they have shared a space with Lesser Kudu at San Diego Zoo (USA) in the past. The remaining Horn & Hoof Mesa enclosures are quite nice.

full


@IndianRhino

Oregon Zoo (USA) has had Speke's Gazelles for a long time, either with Giraffes or Bontebok.

full


Speke's Gazelles have been a common sight at Saint Louis Zoo (USA) in the Red Rocks hoofstock zone for ages.

full


@Forge

Here's the bare bones yard for Speke's Gazelles that was at San Antonio Zoo (USA) in 2010:

full


When I toured Reid Park Zoo (USA) for the first time in 2011, this yard held these 4 species: Speke's Gazelle, White Rhino, Kori Bustard and Marabou Stork.

full


Speke's Gazelles have been at Phoenix Zoo (USA) and the last ZooChat photo of this species in Phoenix was a decade ago.

full


@Ituri

When I toured Fresno Chaffee Zoo (USA) for the first time in 2011, this yard held these 5 species: Speke's Gazelle, Giraffe, Common Eland, Dromedary (!!) and Ostrich.

full


Houston Zoo (USA) had Okapi, Speke's Gazelles and Blue Cranes all together and here's a gazelle sneaking under one of the barriers.

full


Speke's Gazelles are still at Los Angeles Zoo (USA) in a dry, dusty enclosure.

full


@Coelacanth18

Speke's Gazelles were with Kori Bustards at Living Desert Zoo (USA) as of last year.

full


As for Red-fronted Gazelles, I've seen this species at only one zoo ever. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) has shifted the species around, as they tend to do, including mixed with Giant Eland. Alas, I think BOTH species are extinct in San Diego.

full


@Kudu21

full


@geomorph

Family Bovidae: 37 species so far

American Bison - 104 zoos
Bongo - 58 zoos
Common Eland - 58 zoos
Greater Kudu - 51 zoos
Blackbuck - 45 zoos
Nilgai - 40 zoos
Impala - 38 zoos
Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Sitatunga - 29 zoos
Banteng - 27 zoos
Yak - 26 zoos
Nyala - 25 zoos
Cape Buffalo - 21 zoos (including 7 with African Forest Buffalo)
Gerenuk - 19 zoos
Lowland Anoa - 18 zoos
Thomson's Gazelle - 18 zoos
Asian Water Buffalo - 17 zoos
Gaur - 16 zoos
Lesser Kudu - 16 zoos
Muskox - 16 zoos
Springbok - 16 zoos
Wisent - 15 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Speke's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Giant Eland - 5 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Steenbok - 3 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Mountain Anoa - 2 zoos
Royal Antelope - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Northern Bushbuck - 1 zoo
Saiga - 1 zoo
Red-fronted Gazelle - 1 zoo

Bonus species: (similar to my New Guinea Singing Dog example)

Gayal - 2 zoos
 
Yesterday I looked at FOUR gazelle species (Cuvier's, Goitered, Dorcas, Sand) and today I'm going to look at THREE more gazelle species. One thing about going through pages and pages of gazelle photos, is that so many of the types of gazelle look remarkably similar. Watching one in a zoo makes it tricky to instantly differentiate which species one is gazing at!

Of all the mammals with the word 'Gazelle' in their name, the most common for me has been the Addra Gazelle, far ahead of any others. In second place is the Thomson's Gazelle, which is a species that has held strong in North American collections, but is extremely scarce in the rest of the world's zoos. Almost every zoo where I've seen this species has been in North America.

Speke's Gazelles are only in around a dozen or so zoos on the planet, with almost all of them being in North America. Every zoo where I've seen Speke's Gazelles has been in the USA. Check out the photos and analysis below to see some rare mixed-species exhibits featuring Speke's Gazelles. White Rhinos, Okapis, etc.

The rarest gazelle for me has been the Red-fronted Gazelle as I've only ever seen that species at a single zoo. It's interesting to note that while some hoofstock was really common for me in Southeast Asia this past summer, that part of the world essentially has almost zero gazelles of any kind. There's plenty of Javan Rusa Deer, Lowland Anoas, Nilgai and other species, but gazelles are in short supply.

Ranking for mammals with the word 'Gazelle' in their name:

Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Thomson's Gazelle - 18 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Speke's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Red-fronted Gazelle - 1 zoo

I've seen Thomson's Gazelles at 18 zoos:

2008 = 6 zoos

1- Alberta Game Farm/Polar Park (Canada) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 1975
2- Woodland Park Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2005
3- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2006
4- Knoxville Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
5- Phoenix Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
6- Mountain View Conservation Centre (Canada) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
7- Disney’s Animal Kingdom (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
8- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
9- Zoo Miami (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2008
10- Milwaukee County Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
11- North Carolina Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
12- Baton Rouge Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
13- Audubon Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2010
14- Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2011
15- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2012
16- Peoria Zoo (USA) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2014
17- Artis Royal Zoo (Netherlands) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2019
18- Erlebnis Zoo Hannover (Germany) – Thomson’s Gazelle – 2019

AND...

I've seen Speke's Gazelles at 11 zoos:

1- San Diego Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2006
2- Oregon Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2007
3- Saint Louis Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2010
4- San Antonio Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2010
5- Reid Park Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2011
6- Phoenix Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2011
7- Fresno Chaffee Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2011
8- Indianapolis Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2012
9- Houston Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2015
10- Los Angeles Zoo (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2017
11- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (USA) – Speke’s Gazelle – 2023

AND...

I've seen Red-fronted Gazelles at 1 zoo:

1- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Red-fronted Gazelle – 2006

Seeing Thomson's Gazelles at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) has become a rite of passage for many zoo nerds, as that species has been there for decades.

full


@King of Komodo Dragons

Milwaukee County Zoo (USA) still maintains Thomson's Gazelles to this day.

full


@pachyderm pro

This exhibit held Thomson's Gazelles and a couple of Giraffes at Baton Rouge Zoo (USA) when I toured the zoo in 2010.

full


Another Louisiana facility, Audubon Zoo (USA), had Thomson's Gazelles with Common Eland that same summer.

full


Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park (USA) had two exhibits for Thomson's Gazelles when I was there last year and one of the paddocks was flooded as that Arizona zoo practices an intriguing method of irrigation where some of the enclosures are covered in water. I even saw aviaries and gibbon cages with flooded floors.

full


Greater Kudu, Giraffes, Plains Zebras and Thomson's Gazelles all shared this space when I was at Artis Royal Zoo (Netherlands) in 2019.

full


As for Speke's Gazelles, they have shared a space with Lesser Kudu at San Diego Zoo (USA) in the past. The remaining Horn & Hoof Mesa enclosures are quite nice.

full


@IndianRhino

Oregon Zoo (USA) has had Speke's Gazelles for a long time, either with Giraffes or Bontebok.

full


Speke's Gazelles have been a common sight at Saint Louis Zoo (USA) in the Red Rocks hoofstock zone for ages.

full


@Forge

Here's the bare bones yard for Speke's Gazelles that was at San Antonio Zoo (USA) in 2010:

full


When I toured Reid Park Zoo (USA) for the first time in 2011, this yard held these 4 species: Speke's Gazelle, White Rhino, Kori Bustard and Marabou Stork.

full


Speke's Gazelles have been at Phoenix Zoo (USA) and the last ZooChat photo of this species in Phoenix was a decade ago.

full


@Ituri

When I toured Fresno Chaffee Zoo (USA) for the first time in 2011, this yard held these 5 species: Speke's Gazelle, Giraffe, Common Eland, Dromedary (!!) and Ostrich.

full


Houston Zoo (USA) had Okapi, Speke's Gazelles and Blue Cranes all together and here's a gazelle sneaking under one of the barriers.

full


Speke's Gazelles are still at Los Angeles Zoo (USA) in a dry, dusty enclosure.

full


@Coelacanth18

Speke's Gazelles were with Kori Bustards at Living Desert Zoo (USA) as of last year.

full


As for Red-fronted Gazelles, I've seen this species at only one zoo ever. San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) has shifted the species around, as they tend to do, including mixed with Giant Eland. Alas, I think BOTH species are extinct in San Diego.

full


@Kudu21

full


@geomorph

Family Bovidae: 37 species so far

American Bison - 104 zoos
Bongo - 58 zoos
Common Eland - 58 zoos
Greater Kudu - 51 zoos
Blackbuck - 45 zoos
Nilgai - 40 zoos
Impala - 38 zoos
Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Sitatunga - 29 zoos
Banteng - 27 zoos
Yak - 26 zoos
Nyala - 25 zoos
Cape Buffalo - 21 zoos (including 7 with African Forest Buffalo)
Gerenuk - 19 zoos
Lowland Anoa - 18 zoos
Thomson's Gazelle - 18 zoos
Asian Water Buffalo - 17 zoos
Gaur - 16 zoos
Lesser Kudu - 16 zoos
Muskox - 16 zoos
Springbok - 16 zoos
Wisent - 15 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Speke's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Giant Eland - 5 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Steenbok - 3 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Mountain Anoa - 2 zoos
Royal Antelope - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Northern Bushbuck - 1 zoo
Saiga - 1 zoo
Red-fronted Gazelle - 1 zoo

Bonus species: (similar to my New Guinea Singing Dog example)

Gayal - 2 zoos
While the giant eland have been gone for several years now, there are still two red-fronted gazelles left at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. They are in the African Forest field exhibit along the Africa Tram, which they share with eastern bongo, red lechwe, and common impala.
 
Didn’t know Thommies were ever held at Artis recently. According to zootierliste you managed to see them in the 2 short years two males were there :)

I’ve seen them at least Burgers’ and Rotterdam, but they are gone there too. Apparantly Thomson’s gazelle and The Netherlands aren’t a match made in heaven.

But as far as I remember, many zoo’s in Europe have struggled with keeping a herd of gazelles going. With that I mean many a species with the word gazelle in it. Impala, blackbuck, springbok and recently Mhorr gazelle seem to be the exceptions?
 
I'm also a bit surprised that damas seem to be that much more common than Thomson's, as the latter feels like the "default" gazelle in my mind. But this also matches my own personal far smaller experience.

Now I really wish I knew what gazelle species I saw a small handful of in a pasture along the highway in Texas over the summer. I assumed it was just Thomson's because I perceived them to be the most common one by a wider margin, but some quick research suggests that Grant's is also offered by a similar number of Texas hunting ranches, so they're definitely kept in the area. I'm fairly certain they weren't springbok as they have much more distinct horns, which was the one thing I could fully process as I was driving past.
 
I'm also a bit surprised that damas seem to be that much more common than Thomson's, as the latter feels like the "default" gazelle in my mind. But this also matches my own personal far smaller experience.

Now I really wish I knew what gazelle species I saw a small handful of in a pasture along the highway in Texas over the summer. I assumed it was just Thomson's because I perceived them to be the most common one by a wider margin, but some quick research suggests that Grant's is also offered by a similar number of Texas hunting ranches, so they're definitely kept in the area. I'm fairly certain they weren't springbok as they have much more distinct horns, which was the one thing I could fully process as I was driving past.
At least in Europe, both Thomson's and Spingbok have been majorly phased out at they have little-to-no conservation interest - which is fair enough, but it meant when Whipsnade gained a herd of Thomson's not too long ago they had no way of actually maintaining the population. Another reason the Berlin collections are so important to zoo nerds this side of the pond. Damas is obviously critically endangered, nearing extinct in the wild, so I have no complaints about seeing them.

My favourite Damas exhibits have to be Tierpark Berlin's, which also houses a male Addax at the moment, as well as Prague's which is the most relaxed group I have ever encountered.
 
Since the next group of gazelles are found in such low numbers, I'm going to analyze FOUR species in this post.

There used to be almost a dozen zoos in the USA with Cuvier's Gazelles but there's zero now. This species is left in 7 zoos between France and Spain and a couple in Africa and that's all that's on Zootierliste. Gone baby gone.

Goitered Gazelles are found at approximately double the zoos as Cuvier's Gazelles, but that's still not a lot and this species is likely to be entirely absent from North American collections.

There's loads of subspecies for the Dorcas Gazelle, also known as the Ariel Gazelle. I might have seen this species at San Diego Zoo in 2006, but I've definitely seen these guys at two other zoos.

Sand Gazelles are extremely rare and I've got them listed at only two zoos in my lifetime.

I've seen Cuvier's Gazelles at 6 zoos:

1- Greater Vancouver Zoo (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 1998
2- San Diego Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2006
3- Mountain View Conservation Centre (Canada) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2008
4- Saint Louis Zoo (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2010
5- The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2011
6- Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) – Cuvier’s Gazelle – 2014

AND...

I've seen Goitered Gazelles at 5 zoos:

1- Alberta Game Farm/Polar Park (Canada) – Goitered Gazelle – 1975
2- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2006
3- Dallas Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2010
4- Minnesota Zoo (USA) – Goitered Gazelle – 2014
5- Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) – Goitered Gazelle – 2019

AND...

I've seen Dorcas Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- Houston Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2010
2- Naples Zoo (USA) – Dorcas Gazelle – 2012

AND...

I've seen Sand Gazelles at 2 zoos:

1- San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2006
2- San Antonio Zoo (USA) – Sand Gazelle – 2010

Cuvier's Gazelles are, somewhat surprisingly, the most common of the 4 gazelle species in this post and I've still only seen them at 6 zoos.

full


@SivatheriumGuy

I count 5 Cuvier's Gazelles (and an inquisitive Bactrian Camel next door) at San Diego Zoo (USA) in my photo from 2011. Horn & Hoof Mesa strikes again!

full


Lesser Kudu and Cuvier's Gazelles were mixed together at Saint Louis Zoo (USA) in 2010 in this exhibit within the Red Rocks zone.

full


I saw Cuvier's Gazelles with Northern Ground Hornbills when I visited Living Desert Zoo (USA) in 2011, but by the time I returned to that zoo last year the gazelles were gone. Here's my photo of the exhibit:

full


full


@Zoological Point

Tanganyika Wildlife Park (USA) had perhaps 15 Giraffes and a small herd of Cuvier's Gazelles together when I visited in 2014. Here's my shot of the exhibit and large barn:

full


As for Goitered Gazelles, they are also called Persian Gazelles and there's been changes in species and subspecies over the years.

full


@Tim May

There used to be a substantial herd of Goitered Gazelles at San Diego Zoo Safari Park (USA) "back in the day".

full


@thor

Another large herd used to be located at Minnesota Zoo (USA) on the Northern Trail walking loop.

full


@geomorph

Here's my photo of the exhibit in 2014 and these days it holds Pronghorn.

full


Here's 3 species (Addra Gazelle, Goitered Gazelle, Scimitar-horned Oryx) in one shot at Dallas Zoo (USA):

full


@Baldur

I last saw Goitered Gazelles at Safaripark Beekse Bergen (Netherlands) in 2019:

full


@Therabu

As for Dorcas Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice that I recall. Perhaps I saw some at San Diego Zoo (USA) in 2006 when I visited for the first time ever, but I'm not sure and so I left that facility off my list.

full


@pendraig_milnerae

I definitely saw at least one at Houston Zoo (USA) and check out this classic photo from the gallery. A single Plains Zebra, a Dorcas Gazelle, a Giant Eland and a couple of Nyala all in one shot!

full


@jbnbsn99

I saw a really nice exhibit at Naples Zoo (USA) that held Dorcas Gazelle, Greater Kudu and Impala all together.

full


As for Sand Gazelles, I have seen the species only twice as well. It's a bit confusing, as there is a similar species called Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica), but Sand Gazelle (Gazella marica) is the species that used to be in a half-dozen or more American zoos before the usual phase-outs began.

full


@Jakub

full


@Giant Eland

Family Bovidae: 34 species so far

American Bison - 104 zoos
Bongo - 58 zoos
Common Eland - 58 zoos
Greater Kudu - 51 zoos
Blackbuck - 45 zoos
Nilgai - 40 zoos
Impala - 38 zoos
Dama Gazelle - 36 zoos
Sitatunga - 29 zoos
Banteng - 27 zoos
Yak - 26 zoos
Nyala - 25 zoos
Cape Buffalo - 21 zoos (including 7 with African Forest Buffalo)
Gerenuk - 19 zoos
Lowland Anoa - 18 zoos
Asian Water Buffalo - 17 zoos
Gaur - 16 zoos
Lesser Kudu - 16 zoos
Muskox - 16 zoos
Springbok - 16 zoos
Wisent - 15 zoos
Grant's Gazelle - 11 zoos
Slender-horned Gazelle - 8 zoos
Cuvier's Gazelle - 6 zoos
Giant Eland - 5 zoos
Goitered Gazelle - 5 zoos
Soemmerring's Gazelle - 5 zoos
Steenbok - 3 zoos
Dorcas Gazelle - 2 zoos
Mountain Anoa - 2 zoos
Royal Antelope - 2 zoos
Sand Gazelle - 2 zoos
Northern Bushbuck - 1 zoo
Saiga - 1 zoo

Bonus species: (similar to my New Guinea Singing Dog example)

Gayal - 2 zoos

Thanks for including my photo but I believe the Sand Gazelles you saw were rhim gazelle or rhim (Gazella leptoceros), also known as the slender-horned gazelle, African sand gazelle or Loder's gazelle.
 
@Giant Eland No wonder you've been quiet my friend...you are off tracking down Kodkods, Vicunas and probably some Andean Big-eared Mice! ;) So, the 'Sand Gazelles' I saw at San Diego Zoo Safari Park AND San Antonio Zoo should be switched to Slender-horned Gazelles? Interesting. If no one weighs in with any other ideas, then I will do that and put Sand Gazelles back onto my bucket list. Ha!
 
many zoo’s in Europe have struggled with keeping a herd of gazelles going. With that I mean many a species with the word gazelle in it. Impala, blackbuck, springbok and recently Mhorr gazelle seem to be the exceptions?

Gazelle are difficult to keep in zoos. They have a character of run-first and-ask-questions-later, jump and injure themselves during the care normal with other ungulates. In large herds they are relatively calmer. They also easily catch parasitic diseases, probably especially in wet climate and on grassy paddocks - many species live on barren ground in the wild. They breed easily, but also die easily - so large herds have somewhat more stability. And many are impossible to import from the wild. Large enclosures and wildlife parks in the south of the USA, Spain and the Middle East have most success.

Pity, because they are quintessential animals of African and Asian plains, and also have many endangered species.
 
Back
Top