The elk (Cervus canadensis), or wapiti, is a species of deer native to North America and Central and East Asia. It is the 2nd largest deer after the moose, whose name was originally referred to its European variety. It would be transferred to Cervus canadensis by North American colonists. Its range extended to Western Europe in the Pleistocene, and it is declared an invasive species in New Zealand, Argentina, and Chile.
The name "wapiti" is derived from a Shawnee and Cree word meaning "white rump", after the distinctive light fur around the tail region which they use to fluff-up or raise to signal their agitation or distress to one another. This trait is seen in other artiodactyls, such as the bighorn sheep, the pronghorn, and the white-tailed deer.
Behind the Scenes[]
A concept art from Jurassic World: Dominion showcased elk living in the Biosyn Sanctuary alongside a herd of Gallimimus. In the final cut, the species is replaced by the roe deer. This could be because elk are not naturally found in Europe (unless one counts Siberia where the Altai elk (Cervus canadensis sibiricus) live), where the Biosyn Sanctuary is located.
Games[]
Jurassic Park: Builder[]
The elk is mentioned in the 2nd and 4th evolution facts of Megaloceros (which was also known as the "Irish Elk", but was said to be more in common with a deer [though technically both Megaloceros and elk were types of deer]).
Jurassic World: The Game[]
The elk is mentioned in the Evo 1 fact of Megaloceros for its alternate names "Irish Elk" and "Giant Elk".
