A springbok is a graceful antelope that lives in southern Africa, named for its remarkable ability to leap straight up into the air. When startled or excited, springboks perform an impressive jumping display called pronking, where they bounce high off the ground with all four legs stiff and their backs arched, sometimes reaching heights of 10 feet or more. Scientists think this behavior might signal to predators that the springbok is healthy and alert, or it might warn other springboks of danger.

These medium-sized antelopes have tan coats with white undersides and a distinctive dark stripe along their sides. They're built for speed and can run up to 55 miles per hour when escaping lions, cheetahs, or other predators. Springboks live in herds on the grasslands and semi-desert areas of places like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.

The springbok is South Africa's national animal and gives its name to South Africa's national rugby team, the Springboks. When sports fans talk about “the Springboks,” they're referring to one of rugby's most successful teams, whose players wear green and gold jerseys with a springbok emblem.