Wildebeest

The wildebeest, or gnu, is a mammal whose name comes from the South African (Afrikaans) word for "wild animal".American Zoo: Gnu, Wildebeest Although a member of the antelope family, the wildebeest more closely resembles members of the bovine family, such as the ox or the bison.National Geographic: Wildebeest

The wildebeest has a large box shaped head, sharp curved horns, shaggy hair around the neck and a pointed beard.National Geographic: Wildebeest They are typically gray or dark brown in color with black stripes, tails, manes and faces.Animal Diversity Web: Blue Wildebeest Although heavily built in the front of their bodies, wildebeests support their weight on long, thin legs.African Wildlife Foundation: Wildebeest

Females and calves travel in small herds. During dry periods the wildebeest herds tend to move together towards water. The groups scatter during the wet weather.America Zoo: Gnu, Wildebeest Males leave the herd when they are about a year old to join a group of young males. They'll stay with this bachelor herd until they are about 4 or 5, at which point they become territorial.Animal Diversity Web: Blue Wildebeest

There is a large population of western white-bearded wildebeest in Tanzania and Kenya. These Serengeti wildebeests travel 500 to 1000 miles when they migrate from the Serengeti plains, to Lake Victoria an on into the Maasai Mara during the dry season, and then return south after the rains begin.African Wildlife Foundation: Wildebeest The purpose of the migration is the search for food and water; many wildebeests are killed during the journey.Animal Diversity Web: [ Blue Wildebeest]

• GnuWorld: Gnu Animals

• Kidsfront.com: All About Gnu & Coloring Page

• JigZone.com: Wildebeest At Sunset Jigsaw Puzzle

• SheppardSoftware.com: Wildebeest Quiz

• Comics.com: Wildebeest Search

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