The scimitar-horned oryx of northern Africa is noted for its spectacular horns, slanted in a high curve over its body. These pretty animals, part of the antelope family, are about four feet high at the shoulders and, except for those horns, are similar to a small horse. Another closely related species is the Arabian oryx, making its home in the desert country near Saudi Arabia.
The coloring of the oryx is very different from that of horses. The faces of one group of the scimitar-horned are grayish-white, with small brown patches over the fronts and sides and brown continuing down to the top of their hooves. Their backs (which have a small hump on them), sides and belly are all grayish white. Another of this species has reddish-tan coloring over their bodies, but black and white faces and legs.
The Arabian oryx looks much like its close relatives, only its body is almost totally white except for a little black on its head, and all four legs are totally black. The horns of the Arabian are also outstanding, but not quite as long as the others.
All these oryx species have been the victims of cruel hunters who wanted the horns for trophies. This went on for so long that they almost entirely disappeared from their homelands. Fortunately, zoologists have captured some for zoos in other countries, and these have given birth to little ones in the safety of such shelters. This program included zoos in Phoenix, Arizona, and the Wild Animal Park in San Diego, California, where they are doing well.
Also included in these programs was the help of a wealthy man who set up a most interesting reserve on his own property near Fort Worth, Texas. There he has devoted much time to the oryx group, as well as other wild, imported animals. He has worked closely with the American zoos in getting selected pairs back to the desert lands where they really belong.
As these animals are shipped back to their homelands, there are laws presently that strictly forbid hunting them, and guards patrol the desert areas where the animals graze. With this kind of protection, it is expected the herds will soon grow into large numbers.
As the beginning Bible verse expresses it, these spectacular animals again remind us of the wonders of God’s creation that account for everything seen and unseen on the earth. That includes each of us too, and His Word, the Bible, tells us of His love, inviting us to be His very own children by accepting His Son, the Lord Jesus, as our Saviour. Have you done this? If not, wait no longer, for He is soon coming to take His own home to heaven.
ML-07/30/2006