The Gentle Giant with Springs in Its Step

The Cape Eland might be Africa’s second-largest antelope, but don’t let the size fool you—these beasts are surprisingly nimble. Imagine a 900 kg ballerina leaping 2.5 m from a standstill and you’re getting close.

With soft tan coats, spiral horns, and a loose dewlap under the neck, Cape Eland are built for both looks and endurance. Males are darker and bulkier, often with a blue-grey sheen and a tuft of hair between the horns. Females are leaner but just as graceful.

Despite their size, eland are calm, non-territorial, and prefer to keep a low profile. They move in herds—sometimes 500 strong—grazing on grass, leaves, and herbs. You’ll often hear them before you see them: a clicking sound from their foreleg joints acts like a built-in radar alerting the herd.

They’re wanderers, not fighters. When danger approaches, they rely on speed and stamina—not aggression—to get clear. And when they run, they don’t sprint—they trot—for miles.

From open grasslands to scrubby savannas, these quiet giants blend strength and elegance in a way that few animals can match. Powerful but peaceful, Cape Eland are the serene powerhouses of the plains.