Please note: Winter Illuminations is still scheduled to go ahead this evening but we are closely monitoring the weather. Keen an eye on our socials for the latest.

  • Status

    Endangered Species

  • Size

    Up to 120 kg

  • Threat

    Habitat loss

  • Distribution

    Kafue flats of Zambia

  • Diet

    Herbivore

'Into Africa' is home to a herd of Kafue Flats Lechwe. This elegant antelope is distinguishable by its golden-brown colour and white belly.

Only found in a very specific area of Zambia, Kafue Flats Lechwe have long elegant legs and huge dark eyes. It is only the male Lechwe that have beautiful swept back horns. Kafue Flats Lechwe typically live in swampy floodplains and are extremely well adapted for this habitat. Their hooves are spread wide, allowing them to move easily on swampy terrain.

Where in the park?

Step foot on a safari adventure through the heart of Africa!

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Lechwe typically feed on grass and plant material around floodplains. Because they spend so much time in and around water, they are very good swimmers and have been known to completely submerge themselves in water to avoid predators and to search for food.

They often give birth to their young on land during the dry season, after a gestation period of 7 to 8 months.

Lechwe  (Cr. Mark Roberts)

What's on today

Daily programme

Daily programme at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Time Event Location
11:00 AM Into Africa! Ranger Talk Into Africa!

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