This impala’s horns have appeared to melt in the heat of an African day.
The unique photographs, taken by 44-year-old professional animal snapper Nelis Wolmarans, depict an antelope with a severely curved horn.
Thanks to the perfect symmetry in length, form, and position of the animal’s strange horns, they appeared to have flopped forward as temperatures soared in Kenya’s Meru National Park.
“We were out early in the morning doing some bird photography when we came upon this very odd-looking male impala.”
“I have seen horn deformation in antelope species before, but never to this extent.
“What makes this creature so remarkable is that both horns are malformed.”
“There’s also the symmetry of the two horns, as well as the amazing length of the horns.”
According to Nelis, there are various reasons the strange horn phenomenon might occur, including injuries and inbreeding.
He added: “I was pretty amazed by the extent of the deformity and of course, the symmetry of the two horns.
“I was further astonished to discover that this mammal was in such excellent overall health, given that nature has a way of eliminating the weaker individuals, which this male is not.
“What was really fascinating to see was how he maneuvered narrow gaps in the bushes by simply tilting his head to one side, allowing the horns to go through.”
