Irene Amoke

Executive Director, Kenya Wildlife Trust

“Working with wildlife, many animals fascinate me, but I’ve always been drawn to the eland because of its quiet elegance and unassuming nature.

The largest of Africa’s antelopes, the eland is a mysterious animal that’s full of surprises. Sketches of eland are seen in rock and cave art across southern Africa showing how they were used for food and spiritual inspiration by the pre-historic hunter-gatherers.

Elands are non-territorial and very mobile, moving in large herds, with home ranges covering hundreds of square kilometres. For their size, these antelopes are great jumpers and can clear a two-metre wall with ease.

If you listen closely to the large males, you will hear a clicking sound from the tendons on their knees. These clicks denote hierarchy and dominance, and are used to settle mating disputes.

Like most antelopes, the eland is disappearing from its former range due to habitat loss.”

Photo by Kenya Wildlife Trust