Oryx Bull - Portrait of an Adapted Icon

An Oryx, or also known as a Gemsbok, bull poses for a portrait shot. This bull is old and worn out, with scars to show. This animal is on the Namibian Emblem for a good reason. It is tough, hardy and has adapted to desert environments.

Water requirements entail drinking once within 4 days, with facial markings allowing breathing in very hot desert air and cooling it through the dark facial patterns before entering the lungs. Also, adapted to feeding on "sweet grass" (high value, lower quantity perennial species), this animal needs basically half of the calories than a normal antelope to survive.

The moral of the story ... adapt or die trying. And pride in the face of adversity, is beautiful.