The Scimitar-Horned Oryx (Oryx dammah) is a mid-sized African antelope. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and Zoo Tycoon (Xbox).
Description[]
The scimitar-horned oryx, or simply Scimitar Oryx, is one of four species of Oryx antelope. Males can weigh up to 210kg (460lbs), with females being smaller and lighter. Formerly native to the deserts of northern Africa, the scimitar-horned oryx features many adaptations for its warm environment. Its white coat reflects the sun's rays, whilst its red-brown chest and black facial markings provide protection against sunburn. The scimitar-horned oryx gets its name from its long, narrow horns, which curve backwards unlike the horns of other oryx species.
The scimitar-horned oryx once lived in large herds of up to 40 individuals, led by a dominant bull. Feeding on a wide variety of plants, it is able to survive without water for up to ten months at a time. It is known to have been domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians, but habitat loss and hunting soon decimated numbers and, by 2000, the scimitar-horned oryx was declared extinct in the wild. Individuals in captivity have since been bred and an on-going breeding and introduction program plans to release the oryx into protected areas across its original habitat.
Zoo Tycoon 2[]
The scimitar-horned oryx is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon 2 and was added as part of the Endangered Species expansion pack. In Campaign and Challenge mode, it is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a rating of 1 star.
Habitat[]
The scimitar-horned oryx lives in the desert biome. It is not very tolerant of other biomes.
Diet[]
The oryx is an herbivore that feeds on hay and grass.
Enrichment[]
The oryx uses the salt lick.
Shelter[]
The oryx will use the shade structure as a shelter.
Behavior[]
The scimitar-horned oryx likes to live in large herds. They are very slow breeders and will only produce about 2 offspring in their Zoo Tycoon 2 lifespan. Fennec foxes and hyenas will hunt young oryxes. It does not mind sharing its exhibit with camels or addaxes.
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The scimitar horned oryx is a critically endangered species that lives in Africa and the Middle East. They live in dry places and deserts devoid of large vegetation, where hunters in motor vehicles find them easy to chase. After several decades of motorized hunting, the scimitar horned oryx is listed as extinct in the wild. Small populations now survive only in protected parks and in some zoos. |
Zoo Tycoon (Xbox)[]
The scimitar-horned oryx is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon (Xbox) and is available in the original game. It is available for adoption when a zoo reaches a fame level of 40, making it one of the last animals available for adoption.
The scimitar-horned oryx is a Grassland animal and is compatible with elephants, giraffes, rhinos and other antelope. It is not available in the Xbox 360 version of the game.