Gerenuk

/ɡəˈrɛnʊk/ noun

Definition

A small African antelope with an unusually long neck, found in the Horn of Africa and able to reach high vegetation.

Etymology

From Somali garanuug, referring to the distinctive long-necked antelope native to East Africa. The word entered English in the late 19th century as zoologists catalogued African wildlife.

Kelly Says

The gerenuk is nature's giraffe in miniature — it can stand on its hind legs and stretch its remarkably long neck to reach leaves up to 7 feet high! Its Somali name literally means 'giraffe-necked,' and it's one of the most anatomically specialized antelopes.

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