That's Quite a Jump!

The Patterson's Eland is big, really big. Some bulls can weigh upwards of 2,000 pounds. But that doesn't mean they aren't capable of incredible feats of athleticism. They guys have often been found broad jumping over one another with little or no running start.

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Getting to Know You

When this photo was taken, in late 2013, this springbok was new to the savanna at Kilimanjaro Safaris. They were still a little nervous about trucks, and maybe not all that comfortable with the humungous eland in the background!

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

A Hidden Set of Legs

Here is a great photographic example of what makes Kilimanjaro the premier attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and one of the best ever created by Imagineers.  Despite the incredible view, there are real patter son's elands and not robots.

And I use a plural because there actually are two elands in this photograph.  Even though you can only see one at first look, notice the extra set of legs...

by Dave McBride (@RadioHarambe)

Be Careful Up There!

I call this photo "BE CAREFUL UP THERE".  At first, I thought this Patterson's Eland was watching out for the Kilimanjaro Safari truck, but after looking a little closer it is clear she is really concerned about that zookeeper climbing precariously up the tree.  I mean, that's the food truck and it needs it's driver!

Patterson's Elands are big and impressive animals.  From looking at their physique, you would never know what incredible jumpers they are, which is probably why they don't let them into the gift shops.

by Dave McBride