Addax are better adapted to desert life than any other species of antelope. These adaptations include the ability to go for long periods of time without drinking water. They can obtain the water they need from the plants that they eat. Addax have large splayed hooves, which spreads their weight over a larger area when they walk, helping them to walk in soft sand. Their long, twisted horns can be as much as a metre long. They are mainly nocturnal, digging depressions in the sand to rest in during the heat of the day.

Blood is cooled as it flows through their nasal passage, protecting their brain from overheating.

Their coat changes from brown in winter to white in summer; an efficient way of maintaining body temperature.

Female addax horns can be as long as those of the males, but are generally thinner.

The addax is one of the rarest and most endangered species on earth. There is estimated to be less than 300 individuals left in the wild. The continuing decline in numbers is due to hunting and habitat loss. Addax have been reintroduced to Tunisia and Morocco, with individuals being sent from zoos in Europe and North America. West Midland Safari Park has helped to fund some of these relocations.

The African wild dog, also known as the Cape hunting dog or painted wolf, is one of the most endangered large African carnivores, and is in grave danger of becoming extinct.

Habitat loss due to humans, and the introduction of diseases such as canine distemper and rabies from domestic animals are a big problem to the remaining wild dog populations.

Packs of these dogs have an unusual social structure. All the males are related to each other and they stay in the packs in which they are born, whereas the females leave their packs when they reach maturity. This is the opposite to most other social animals, where a core of females form the main pack.

They are also known as 'painted dogs' due to their beautifully marked coat.

No two animals have the same coat pattern.

Powerful jaws give the wild dog the highest bite force to size ratio of any living carnivorous mammal.

Ankole, also known as Watusi cattle, are an ancient species of domestic African cattle that date back more than 6,000 years!

These rusty brown cattle are highly prized as a status symbol and have a special place in tribal folklore and art. With a horn span of up to 2 metres across, the largest horned cows are the most highly prized.

Ankole cattle often do well even in the harshest of African environments and can survive serveral months with minimum food and water.

Although large and tough, ankole have a powerful maternal instinct, and adults will often sleep in a circle with the youngsters protected in the centre.

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