Facts about Wildebeests

Wildebeest, also known as gnu, are large muscular antelopes that weigh 120-300kg. They have a large head, a robust muzzle and impressive horns that grow upwards and curve inwards. Their short hair is grey to dark brown in color and they also have black manes, tails and faces. They can live to around 20 years of age.

Wildebeest form small herds made up primarily of females and calves. Young males form small bachelor groups or at around 4-5 years old attempt to establish territories on their own. These territories are seldom held for long as wildebeest are engaged in a migratory cycle that keeps them on the move. During the dry season, smaller herds merge to form one of the great spectacles of the natural world, often dubbed the Great Migration. Over a million wildebeest plus half as many zebra and gazelle follow the rains northward from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Mara, and back again in October.

The single greatest hurdle to the animals during this journey is the Mara River. Crossing points form bottlenecks in which thousands of animals perish through trampling or drowning. Not surprisingly, hyenas, lions, leopards, crocodiles and even cheetahs capitalise on this glut of fresh meat.