Gazelle: Speedy Grassland Leapers!

Gazelles are like speedy, elegant deer that live in Africa and parts of Asia. They have long legs perfect for running and jumping! Some gazelles are small, about the size of a big dog, while others are much larger.

They love to eat grass and leaves, munching away in open fields and savannas. Their scientific name is 'Gazella', which sounds like their name! They are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants.

Gazelles call the wide-open spaces of Africa and Asia their home. Think of big, grassy plains and dry, open areas where they can see far and run fast. They are often found in places like the savannas of East Africa, which are like huge, grassy parks with scattered trees. Some gazelles also live in the deserts of Asia. They need lots of room to zoom around and escape from speedy predators!

Gazelles have amazing jumping skills! When they're excited or trying to get away from danger, they can leap up to 6 feet (2 meters) high and 15 feet (4.5 meters) long! This is called 'pronking'. It looks like they are bouncing on springs! They can also run very, very fast, sometimes up to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometers per hour). That's faster than a car on a highway!

Gazelles usually have one baby at a time, called a 'fawn'. The fawn is born ready to stand and walk soon after it's born. Mama gazelles are very protective of their babies. Gazelles often live in groups called herds. This helps them watch out for danger together. More eyes mean they can spot a lion or cheetah much sooner!