Gnu White Bearded

The wildebeest (plural, wildebeest or wildebeests), also called the gnu (pronounced /'gunoo?/ or /'nju?/), is an antelope of the genus Connochaetes. It is a hooved (ungulate) mammal. It looks like a mixture of features between a cow and a horse.

Connochaetes includes two species, both native to Africa: the Black Wildebeest, or white-tailed gnu (C. gnou), and the Blue Wildebeest, or brindled gnu (C. taurinus). Gnus belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, and other even-toed horned ungulates.

Wildebeest grow to 4ft 2in – 4 ft 10in (1.27 – 1.47 metres) at the shoulder and weigh 265–600 pounds (120–270kg). They inhabit the plains and open woodlands of Africa, especially the Serengeti. Wildebeest can live more than 20 years.