GAZELLE: Peaceful Resolution

In watching nature shows, people often see a graceful Gazelle zigzagging across the African Savanna. He is usually being pursued by Cheetah, who eventually tires of the chase. Among the fastest of the Antelopes, Gazelle has been clocked at running fifty miles (eighty kilometers) an hour. Because of his nimbleness, many religions see Gazelle as the Soul fleeing from danger.

Scientists count between ten to eighteen species of Gazelles. (The “Gazelle” group includes several families of antelopes.) They range from the small Dorcas Gazelle of the traditional Gazelle family (Gazella) to the large Grant’s Gazelle of the Nanger family. The most noted of the Gazelles, Thomson’s Gazelle is of the Eudorcas family. What is noted about Gazelles are their beautiful curving horns and their swiftness. In addition, They live in the deserts and grasslands of Africa and Asia.

Acting “cool, calm, and collected”, They save their energy for when They need it. This calmness is demonstrated by how Male Gazelles (Bucks) vie for leadership. Instead of fighting, They show off their horns. The Buck with the longest and curviest horns becomes the leader. Sometimes, They will engage in an “air cushion” fight. Approaching each other, the Buck Gazelles put on a show of fighting until one of Them backs off.

Gazelles show how conflicts can be resolved peacefully. Buck Gazelles save their energy for important things such as protecting their herd. Instead of inflicting injuries, They show fight. Gazelles demonstrate how to fight without hurting others.

Wisdom of Gazelle Includes:
Wise Use of Speed
Keep Your Cool
Respond Quickly to Danger

Science Notes:

Gazella
Mountain Gazelle
Neumann’s Gazelle
Speke’s Gazelle
Dorcas Gazelle
Indian Gazelle
Cuvier’s Gazelle
Rhim Gazelle
Goitered Gazelle

Eudorcas
Thomson’s Gazelle
Red-fronted Gazelle

Nanger
Dama Gazelle
Grant’s Gazelle
Soemmerring’s Gazelle
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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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Antelope: Uncover What is Hidden

When people picture an antelope, they often imagine a deer-like mammal with beautiful curving horns. The world “antelope” means “bright eyes” which refers to their large limpid eyes. “Antelope” is used to describe any Bovid (cloven-hoofed animal) that is not a bison, buffalo, cow, goat, or sheep.

Always alert, Antelopes react quickly when They suspect a predator lurking nearby. Sometimes when They spy Lion in the tall grass, Antelopes will bounce (pronk) with all their feet leaving the ground and landing at the same time. They are telling Lion, “I see you!”

Because Antelopes sense danger immediately, many Animals at the waterhole rely on Them to alert Everyone Else. According to the Bushmen, Antelopes can see the hidden. They are the only Animals that can find the hiding place of the God that took their form. Antelope tells people to be attuned to what goes on about you. In this way, you will uncover that which is hidden.

Wisdom of Antelope Includes:
Be Alert to Danger
Beauty and Grace Together
Having Keen Senses

Science Note:
Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana), of North America is not an antelope, but is the sole member of an ancient mammal family, which is related to giraffes. While antelopes keep their horns, pronghorns have horns that branch and shed.

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Copyright: Virginia Carper, Animal Teachers, 2009

From Universal Class, fun self-paced classes taught by me:

Finding Your Animal Teachers

Animals For Everyone: Mammals

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