Wildebeests

Wildebeests are large animals that live on the grasslands of Africa. They look like a mix between a cow and a horse. Wildebeests are best known for their incredible migration across the Serengeti. About 1.5 million of them travel together each year.

The Great Migration

Every year, huge herds of wildebeests travel across East Africa following the rains. They cross rivers filled with crocodiles and open plains where lions hunt. The round trip covers about 1,800 miles. It is one of the greatest wildlife events on Earth.

Life on the Plains

Wildebeests are grazers that eat grass almost all day long. Baby wildebeests can stand and run within minutes of being born. This is important because predators are always nearby. Wildebeests live in herds for protection against lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.

Fun Facts

• Baby wildebeests can run with the herd just minutes after being born.
• About 250,000 wildebeests die during the migration each year from predators, drowning, and exhaustion.
• Wildebeests can smell rain from 50 miles away.

Did You Know?

The wildebeest migration is so massive that it can be seen from space! About 1.5 million wildebeests travel together with thousands of zebras and gazelles.