Gerenuk (Litocranius walleri) means ‘giraffe-necked’ in the Somali language, a name arising from its distinctive long, slender neck, which it stretches as it stands on its hindlegs to feed on the tender leaves of high branches. This tall, long-eared antelope has a chestnut coloured back, distinct from the light fawn sides and white underparts. Its muzzle and mouth are small for its size, and are narrow and pointed to enable it to pluck leaves from amongst tangles of thorns. Male gerenuks have short, robust, heavily ringed horns that curve elegantly backwards in an S-shape. Scent glands beneath the eyes enable male gerenuks to mark their territory and also mark females during the courtship ritual.
Frank the Gerenuk (Hank Azaria)
Southern Gerenuk in Kenya
The Emperor's New School