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.
