GNU(Caloblepas), a genus of ruminant mammals constituting the equine group of the antelope family, and containing two species—the gnu or kokoon (f·atoblepas gnu) and the brindled gnu (fjatoblepas gorgon). Owing to their singular appearance, which has been aptly compared to that of a creature compounded of a bison’s head, a horse’s body, and an antelope’s legs, their proper zoological position has been a matter of dispute—some placing them among the oxen, while others regard them as a connecting link between bovine animals and the true antelopes. The gnu measures about 4⅛ feet in height at the shoulders, and 9 feet in extreme length. Its nose is broad and flattened, and bears on its upper surface a crest of reversed hair, while there is an abundant growth of bushy black hair beneath the chin and between the forelegs. The horns, which are present in both sexes, are very broad at their base, forming a solid helmet on the forehead, from which they bend downwards and outwards, thereafter curving rapidly upwards to the tip. A mane of light-coloured hair, tipped with brown, and presenting a neatly clipped appearance, extends along the neck, while the horse-like tail, which is more or less of a creamy colour, reaches to the ground. The nostrils are large, and are furnished with a muscular valve by which they can be closed. The gnu is a native of the arid plains of South Africa, where it congregates in considerable herds, its restlessness of disposition leading it to migrate frequently from place to place. The fantastic appearance of these creatures is fully equalled by the grotesqueness of their actions. Advancing, as they generally do, in single file, they may be seen wheeling and prancing in all directions, tossing their heads, switching their long tails, and ...