Ankole-Watusi

The Ankole-Watusi is a large African breed of cattle first domesticated in parts of Africa such as Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya thousands of years ago. Bred to survive in times where food and water are scarce, these cattle can adapt to living in extreme environments, both hot and cold. Famous for their long, thick horns, Watusi have the largest horn circumference found in any cattle breed. The horns were adapted to allow dispersal of excess body heat in the hot climate they lived in. Watusi fur color can be a variety of colors, but the most dominant color is a reddish-brown.

Cattle have been valued in Africa as ceremonial animals and as symbols of wealth and power. The shape and size of the animal’s horns determined the beauty of the herd and was significant for the owner’s poistion in society.

Watusi were first brought into the United States in the 1960’s from European zoos and are now seen in both the commercial beef industry on cattle ranches as well as zoos throughout the world.

The current Guinness World Records holder, a bull named CT Woodie, boasts a 40.7 in horn circumference!

Meet the Ankole-Watusi gang at African Safari Wildlife Park:

• Waffle (Female, brown with white markings)
  • Daughter: Crepe (yearling brown with white markings)
  • Daughter: Muffin (solid brown) – Born 5/18/2021!
• Bagel (Female, solid brown)
  • Son: Dunkin (yearling solid brown)

Diet: Ankole Watusi are cattle that are classified as grazers. They feed primarily on grass.