The Elusive Waterbuck

The waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) is a large antelope known for its striking ring-shaped marking on its rump and its affinity for water. Found in sub-Saharan Africa, waterbucks often inhabit grasslands near rivers and lakes, relying on water sources for both hydration and safety. Their thick, oily coat helps repel water, a unique adaptation for their semi-aquatic lifestyle.

In zoos, waterbucks thrive in enclosures that feature both open grasslands for grazing and access to water where they can cool off during hot weather. Zookeepers enrich their environments with foliage and logs, encouraging natural behaviors like rubbing their horns to mark their territory. Visitors are fascinated by the waterbuck’s defensive strategies, including their tendency to flee into water to escape predators. Zoo programs often emphasize their ecological role in maintaining grassland ecosystems and the challenges they face due to habitat fragmentation.