Facts about the wildebeest (gnu)

• Gnu is the Hottentot name of a pe­culiar antelope of South Africa.
• The Boers gave it the name of wildebeest.
• A long flowing tail and a crest-like mane and a zebra-like body have given it the name of "horned horse."
• The wildebeest has cloven hoofs, however, and chews the cud, like other animals of its kind; yet it is said that a herd seen at a distance flying over the plain can be distinguished with difficulty from wild zebras which inhabit the same locality.
• The flesh of the gnu is palatable.
• The gnu kept company with the zebra and gazelle. Like them it is now to be found only in remote localities.
• There are two species of wildebeest: Connochaetes gnou – black wildebeest, and Connochaetes taurinus – blue wildebeest.
• Wildebeests belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, and others.