Wildebeest tend to congregate and graze in areas within close proximity to water as these animals need to drink daily.

Animal of the Month

Wildebeest
Connochaetes taurinus

Wildebeest are gray animals with a darker gray “brindling” or striped effect on their sides. The forehead is wide with a dark stripe that covers the top part of their face from horns to nose. Horns are hooked in appearance growing out to the side and curving back to nearly point at one another. The shoulders are taller than the rump.

Wildebeest stand about 4 feet high at the shoulder and weigh around 430 pounds. They are considered “conservation dependent” and have a lifespan of 20 years in captivity. They have an 8 to 8.5 month gestation period and give birth to one calf in late January to mid-March. You may see herds of up to 100 or more animals traveling together.

All the pregnant females give birth within two to three weeks of one another. With little ones of the same age and abilities, migration becomes a much easier task for these herds. Another advantage for migration is the possession of scent glands in the bottom of their hooves. This will allow stragglers to keep up with the rest of the herd. Of course, it may also let the lions and other predators know which way the wildebeest went; but “safety in numbers” works to their advantage.

A Fossil Rim guest who had seen wildebeest in Africa told me they were referred to as “Wildeburgers” since so many predators chose them for dinner. Wildebeests have no defense against predators, nor can they outrun anything. Their need to drink daily keeps them confined to areas within commuting distance of water.

They migrate across Africa’s Serengeti plains every year. This yearly round-trip constitutes 1800 miles of travel. There is no real beginning or end to a wildebeest’s journey. Its life is an endless pilgrimage, a constant search for food and water.