Gerenuks are elegant antelopes that browse standing on their hind legs. Their unusual feeding posture and arid-adapted physiology present distinct welfare challenges in captivity.
Gerenuk welfare in captivity requires providing browse at heights they can access bipedally — the distinctive feeding posture is not merely a curiosity but a functional behavior that must be enabled for complete behavioral expression. Ground-level browse feeding fails to engage this key behavioral adaptation. Their arid physiology makes them sensitive to damp, cold conditions common in many zoo climates. Social housing in small female groups replicates natural social structure. Weight management is important — captive gerenuks with access to high-calorie zoo diets can become obese, causing joint problems in their unusually long limbs.