Young Dama Gazelle, Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute

Of course, it is easier to take wildlife photos if the wildlife is in a zoo. In this case, the Dama Gazelle is the largest gazelle species and is critically endangered and is also one of the rarest. Fewer than 400 individuals remain in the wild, mainly in Chad and Sudan. So, I am unlikely to get a photo of this gazelle anywhere else. Here is a summary of this beautiful animal from the website for the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute.

The dama gazelle, also called the mhorr or addra gazelle, is the largest of the gazelles and was once common and widespread in arid and semi-arid regions of the Sahara. There are currently three recognized subspecies of Nanger Dama: N. dama ruficollis, N. dama dama, and N. dama mhorr. The Smithsonian's National Zoo exhibits N. dama ruficollis. 

Nanger dama ruficollis, is the lightest in coloration and the most eastern subspecies of the three. Common names for this subspecies include Addra Gazelle, Kordofan Gazelle, and Nubian Red-necked Gazelle. 

The upper part of their body is mostly reddish brown, whereas the head, rump and under parts are white. 

Both males and females have horns. They curve back and up, but reach a length of only about 17 inches (43 centimeters) long. The male's horns have 18 to 23 distinct rings and smooth tips while the females are typically smaller, thinner and the rings less distinct.