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BUSY SPRING DAYS!

With our busy spring season upon us, follow these expert tips to find parking, beat the crowds, and make the most of your Zoo visit.

Saharan Hoofstock

Saharan Hoofstock

Habitat

Sub-Saharan Africa

Saharan Hoofstock Fun Facts

Somali wild ass can survive up to three days without drinking water.

The term “Saharan hoofstock” is used to describe animals that live in hot and arid environments in Africa. This includes the Somali wild ass, addax, and scimitar-horned oryx.

The scimitar-horned oryx was once considered extinct in the wild in the 1980s. Fortunately, through the breeding efforts of zoos, a herd of 21 oryx were reintroduced to Chad in 2016.

Addax are one of the few antelope species where the male and female horns are the same size.

Challenges in the Wild

Climate change: Saharan hoofstock face prolonged droughts caused by climate change, making it increasingly harder for them to find water.

Poaching: Some Saharan hoofstock are slow moving, which make them easier targets for poachers.


Dallas Zoo Saving Saharan Hoofstock


The Dallas Zoo supports a healthy population of Saharan hoofstock including Somali wild ass, addax, and scimitar horned oryx in human care through our work with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. This is a safeguard against extinction.

You Can Save Saharan Hoofstock in the Wild

Buy a Dallas Zoo membership to help save Saharan hoofstock in the wild.

Make Ecosia your default search engine. Tree loss in their habitat also contributes to the decline in available water and the expansion of deserts. Ecosia is a search engine that plants a tree in areas in most need of trees for every 45 searches. By making Ecosia your default search engine, you are helping restore habitats and slow the effects of climate change.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Prolonged drought, a consequence of climate change, is directly responsible for the decline of available drinking water. Driving with improperly inflated tires causes engines to work harder result in more carbon dioxide emissions into the environment, contributing to long-term climate effects.