A gnu is a mammal! Yes, a large hooved mammal belonging to the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae. Hence it is a family member of cows, goats, antelopes and all other even-toed ungulates. Also known as wildebeest in Africa, there are two species of gnus native to the Dark Continent- the Black Wildebeest or White-tailed Gnu, and the Blue Wildebeest or Brindled Gnu. They are an integral part of the ecosystem of the southern African plains, especially the Serengetti, and have a lifetime of approximately 20 years.
Its amazing to know that the calves are able to walk within minutes of their birth, and are capable enough to keep pace with the rest of the herd when only a few days old.
For more information regarding this ferocious looking, yet humble beast you may visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildebeest or http://www.americazoo.com/goto/index/mammals/400.htm. The material for this article was gathered from the above resources mentioned.
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