The Rothschild´s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis rothschildi) belongs to an endangered subspecies of the giraffe. It has been bred at the Ostrava Zoo since 1987. Since this time, more than 10 calves have been born. A female usually gives birth to one calf, namely in a standing position, which means that the baby giraffe falls into the world from a height of up to 2 m. Therefore, we equip our giraffe pen with a tall layer of straw for the mother giraffe to give birth upon.
Southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeabteri) belongs to the largest of the 44 species of hornbills. It grows to a size of up to 1 m. The hornbill is characterized by its massive beak, which weight is reduced by various cavities within the beak. This species is interesting due to the fact that it mostly moves on the ground and hunts various vertebrates (such as rodents or rabbits) in flocks (similarly to a pack of wolves). This phenomenon is exceptional in birds.
African antelopes are represented by the Blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi), which lives only in national parks, on farms and in zoological gardens.
The Eland (Taurotragus oryx) is incorrectly called an antelope since it is classed among the bovines, thus being a relative of buffalo or cattle. Males can weigh nearly one tonne.
Grevy´s zebra (Equus grevyi) is the largest of the zebras and inhabits Northeast Africa. In the wild it has almost been exterminated. It is characterized by its distinctive voice, similar to the braying of a donkey. It bears the name of former French president Jules Grévy, who received one as a present from an Egyptian Emperor.