A wildebeest mother and calf graze on the grassy plains of Namibia.
Calves can walk shortly after birth, and keep up with the herd within a
week.
The ungainly gnu earned the Afrikaans name wildebeest, or "wild
beast," for the menacing appearance presented by its large head, shaggy
mane, pointed beard, and sharp, curved horns. In fact, the wildebeest is
better described as a reliable source of food for the truly menacing
predators of the African savanna: lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, and
hyenas.
The gnu (pronounced "g-new" or simply "new") is a member of the antelope family, although its heavy build and disproportionately large forequarters make it look more bovine. Gnus can reach 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length, stand 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) tall at the shoulders and weigh up to 600 pounds (272 kilograms). Both males and females grow horns.
The gnu (pronounced "g-new" or simply "new") is a member of the antelope family, although its heavy build and disproportionately large forequarters make it look more bovine. Gnus can reach 8 feet (2.4 meters) in length, stand 4.5 feet (1.4 meters) tall at the shoulders and weigh up to 600 pounds (272 kilograms). Both males and females grow horns.
