New Faces at Hongshan Zoo

At Hongshan, there is a special group of new faces—the striped gnus! They are neither “cows” nor “horses,” but genuine large antelopes. Don’t be misled by the name “gnu”; they have a unique appearance. Both males and females have curved horns that twist backward like bicycle handlebars, giving them a sturdy look somewhat reminiscent of cattle; meanwhile, their slender faces and drooping manes add a touch of equine elegance. Their coats range from bluish-gray to dark brown, with dark stripes on their sides, black markings on their foreheads, and long, dense chin beards—a true “mixed style.” The striped gnu group at Hongshan consists of six subadults, three females and three males, belonging to a non-migratory designated subspecies. When they first arrived at their new home, they were shy, but after “desensitization training” by the keepers, they have gradually adapted to their new environment. Come to Hongshan to get up close with this special group of striped gnus, experience their unique charm, and witness their journey from shyness to settling in comfortably!