From the time I could walk until I left Zambia at 22, my dad was always pointing out the different kinds of antelope on our yearly trips down through Zimbabwe to South Africa to visit the relatives, or on our journeys to the Congo, Malawi, Tanganyika or Kenya. There are over 91 species of the animal, from the eland, to the gerenuk, impala, kudo, roan, sable and springbok. I often mistook one for the other, well, except for the springbok, symbol of South African rugby, but I never mistook the dik-dik, my favorite. These graceful dwarf antelopes are about the size of a fox terrier, with almost no tail and a small tuft of hair on the head. At maturity they weigh up to 12 pounds and are 14 inches tall at the shoulder. And wow, can they zig-zag and bounce when chased by a larger animal.
Every time my daughter (especially when she was young) saw a picture of a cute animal, she’d say, ‘I want it.’ I can just hear her voice (or maybe mine?) as I look at this delightful photo and read your equally fascinating thoughts. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the alphabet brings.
I still do that (I want it), when it comes to animals : ). Thanks so much for stopping by.
Thanks for sharing your lovely memory with us, Rossandra! What a vivid portrait of a slice from your childhood . . . Wonderful ~
Beautiful creature! Though I can’t help imagining that, as I’m looking at this dik-dik and thinking, “How adorable!” its predator is thinking, “How yummy!” 🙂
Oh, so true!
Cute.
— david j.
Thanks for stopping by David.
What a beautiful animal! How wonderful to see so much wildlife. Your friend from She Who Writes Blogger
Welcome back!
Zambia, wow, what an amazing place to grow up in! Such beauty and wonder, and yes, the antelope is a graceful species. I had no idea there are so many varieties. I’m doing A to Z too! I’d love for you to pop over, where I’m talking about meaningful AWARDS. I signed up twice (couldn’t find where I had first signed up so I signed on again-sheesh) so find me at either #672 or #1157, Idea City.
Cheers, Catherine
Thanks for stopping by, will pop over and pay you a visit.
Ive always liked antelopes but had no idea there so many different kinds. How fortunate you were to have gotten to grow up around them and have a father who would point out the different kinds. The closest I ever got was watching Wild Kingdom Sunday nights – my Dad’s favorite TV show by the way. Glad to get acquainted with your blog!
Now, I wish I’d paid more attention at the time. All I wanted to do was get down to Durban, on the coast to see the “big city” boys. Thanks for stopping by. Will come and “visit” you.
Reading your lovely piece brought back memories of a once-in-a-lifetime trip we took to South Africa several years ago, and Durban was one of our stops. How fortunate you are to have grown up in such an amazing place – one in which these magical creatures roam free (and in preserves). Thank you for allowing me to go back there in my mind. I look forward to reading more of your posts.
You are so welcome, Diane. I’m glad I was able to be your “guide” back to that time. It seems I’m keeping with the animal theme. So far at least. Stay tuned!
Those smaller animals can be really fast. I think it’s necessary so they can survive out in the wild.
Thanks for stopping by Angela.
What an interesting life you’ve led. And such an adorable little antelope. I had no idea there were so many kinds. Where I live there are many dear and it’s getting close to baby season again, my favorite time. That’s about as close as I’ll come to seeing one of your sweet creatures.