Wildlife photographers have captured images of an unlucky oryx who stands out from the herd – because of its floppy horns.
While others around it had large horns pointing upwards, the oryx did not appear hindered by its deformity as it was grazing in a safari park in Namibia.
The cause of the animal’s drooping horns is not known according to the photographer who captured the images.
Wildlife photographers have captured images of an unlucky oryx (centre) who stands out from the herd – because of its floppy horns
While others around it had large horns pointing upwards, the oryx did not appear hindered by its deformity as it was grazing in a safari park in Namibia
Ettiene Rossouw, 52, who manages a lodge and wildlife state in Namibia said: ‘Close to our farmhouse is a watering hole where numerous animals come to drink daily which is where we spotted the Oryx.
‘We discovered her by surprise and decided to take photos of her and her unusual horns. A reason for why this happens to their horns has not yet been confirmed.
‘We have seen many Gemsbok with broken horns and some deformities, but none as symmetrical and dramatic as this.
The cause of the animal’s drooping horns is not known according to photographer Ettiene Rossouw (left with Sanet Rossouw) who captured the images
He said his team had travelled to Namibia and the Kalahari on numerous occasions and seen many Oryx – but had ‘never observed anything close to this.’
He added: ‘She seems to lead a perfectly normal life. She is also totally integrated in herd life as we also noticed she is well on her way with her pregnancy.
‘She can eat normally and seems to be able to turn her head normally, also wherever she wants to look with her remaining eye.
‘This deformity will however be a major disadvantage should she ever find herself in a position where she needs to protect herself.’