Counting on Africa
Educational Childrens Books Publisher


Wildebeest
Meet the wildebeest, the bearded, noisy clown of the African savanna! With a head like a cow, a shaggy mane like a horse, and the curved horns of a buffalo, it looks like an animal put together by a committee. But this strange design is perfect for survival. Wildebeest are famous for their incredible migration, where millions of them travel in a giant, dusty herd across the plains, following the rain in search of fresh, green grass. They are constantly grunting and mooing to stay in touch with each other. While they might seem a bit clumsy as they run, kicking up their heels, they are actually strong, powerful runners, capable of covering vast distances and outlasting many predators.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Great Migration
The great wildebeest migration is the largest movement of land animals on the entire planet! Over a million animals travel in a continuous, year-long loop between Tanzania and Kenya.
Early Starters
A baby wildebeest is an expert at getting up and running. It can stand on its wobbly legs just six minutes after it is born, and can run fast enough to keep up with the herd in less than two days!
Gnu News
Wildebeest are also called "gnu" (pronounced "new"). Their name comes from the "G'nu!" sound they make with their distinctive, noisy grunt.

Wildebeest babies can run very soon after birth.

Wildebeest are a member of Africa's "Ugly Five" - but really they are very beautiful.

Wildebeest are often found grazing among other species like zebra.

Wildebeest babies can run very soon after birth.
