Animal profiles is a documentation of interesting animals. Enjoy my weekly profiles.

Name: 313
Age: 6 years
Species: Thomson's Gazelle (Gazella thomsoni thomsoni)

#313 is mother of 5 and the Thomson’s gazelle is one of 10 gazelle species found throughout Africa. They are found on open, short grass plains in southeastern Sudan, Kenya and Tanzania. In the Serengeti region, they spend the rainy season in the grasslands and the dry season in the bush country or lowland hills. When agitated, Thomson’s gazelles display a number of signals, like skin shivering, foot stamping, tail waving and high bouncing leaps. The leaping is called “stotting” and is a diversionary tactic designed to confuse predators, it also gives a clear view of what lies ahead. The Thomson’s gazelle weigh on average 50 pounds and are capable of running 50 mph for a considerable distance. They are the favorite prey of the cheetah.

Special thanks to the San Diego Zoo for lending me Animal Ambassador Rick Schwartz and opening the zookeeper doors.

Other Animal Profiles

Giraffe

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-744090

Fossa
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-740149

Cape Buffalo
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-736395

Northern White Rhino
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-733391

Prehensile Tailed Porcupine
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-726400

Echidna
http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-729814

About the San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
The 100-acre San Diego Zoo located in Balboa Park is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species and their habitats. The organization focuses on conservation and research work around the globe, educates millions of individuals a year about wildlife and maintains accredited horticultural, animal, library and photo collections.

The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as the Wild Animal Park), which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research.