Wildebeests

Greetings friends and welcome to the world of the wildebeest. This native of Africa can be found in the southern half of Africa and is also referred to as a gnu, that’s Gnood Gnews (Great Space Coaster reference). The wildebeest is one of the largest antelopes, from head to tail it can be 8 feet and weigh up to 600 pounds.

The wildebeest looks like a lot of other members of the bovine family in front with slim hind legs like any other antelope. Both the male and the female have horns. The wildebeest also has a mane like a horse.  

Wildebeests live in herds comprised of males females and young. During migrations large herds comprised of all kinds of antelope all move together for safety and well because they’re all following the fresh water sources and grazing pastures. That’s what the herbivores are doing, the carnivores however, follow the migration herds so to that effect the wildebeest would have beef with lions, hyenas, cheetahs and African wild dogs.

Males attract females by rubbing their scent into the ground. The gestation period for a female is 8.5 months and she will give birth to a single calf. The calf can walk at birth and is ready to run with the rest of the herd a few days after birth.

Here are more fun facts in this week’s video and we will talk with you all next week!