Wildebeest

Connochaetes gnou
Connochaetes taurinus

The wildebeest (plural, wildebeeste), also called the gnu (pronounced /nu/ or /nju/), is an antelope of the genus Connochaetes. It is a hooved (ungulate) mammal.

Connochaetes includes two species, both native to Africa: the Black Wildebeest, or white-tailed gnu (C. gnou), and the Blue Wildebeest, or brindled gnu (C. taurinus). Gnus belong to the family Bovidae, which includes antelopes, cattle, goats, and other even-toed horned ungulates.

Wildebeest grow to 1.15–1.4 metres (3 ft 9 in–4 ft 7 in) at the shoulder and weigh 150–250 kilograms (330–550 pounds). They inhabit the plains and open woodlands of Africa, especially the Serengeti. Wildebeest can live for more than 20 years.