Overview
The Cape Eland, also known as the Common or Southern Eland, is the second largest antelope in the world. Found across East and Southern Africa, it prefers open grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs—avoiding dense forests.

Size & Strength
Adult males can stand up to 1.6 m tall at the shoulder and weigh as much as 900 kg, while females are slightly smaller. Despite their bulk, elands can leap over 2.5 m from a standing start and trot long distances at a steady pace.

Behaviour & Diet
Cape Elands are non-territorial and form herds of up to 500 individuals. Their diet includes grasses, leaves, and flowering plants. While generally slow movers, they communicate with loud barks and body language to alert the herd of danger.

Lifespan
They typically live 15–20 years in the wild, with some individuals reaching up to 25 years in captivity.