Because these silvery grey animals with cow like horns can sometimes, in the right light, look blue, they are referred to as the blue wildebeest.

 Large numbers of wildebeest migrate together across the plains of Africa during the dry season seeking water, shade and grazing sites. During the rainy season, the herds head back to their home ranges again making a yearly trip of about 1,800 miles.

Ostriches, zebras and gazelles migrate with the wildebeest for varying distances making an impressive scene. However, these herds are followed by many African predators including lions, wild dogs, hyenas, and cheetah. One of the techniques used by the vulnerable wildebeest to survive as a species is to have all the calves born together within a three-week birthing period. This takes place during the rainy season when the conditions are optimal. One tan calf is born to each female and is almost immediately up and running with his mother. After giving birth, the female rejoins the calving herd with hundreds of other females and calves. Although females will only nurse their own calf, the sheer numbers of calves and females help the survivability of the young.  However, predators still take large numbers of young wildebeest each year.

Common Wildebeest

Connochaetes taurinus