Habitat: Savanna
Status: Domestic
DAK Locale: Kilimanjaro Safari/Animal Kingdom Lodge
One of the few domestic animals in the Animal Kingdom is the Watsui cattle or Ankole. It is a breed of cattle native to the plains of Africa. It is very distinctive thanks to its huge set of horns. These horns can measure up to 8 feet across. They are used not only for defense but as a cooling mechanism as there are many blood vessels within them. Still, when watching them from you room at Kidani Village they are quite impressive.
Ankoles are well designed for their habitat. They can survive on poor quality forage. They also need small amounts of water. They live in herds for protection from the predators of the region like lions and hyenas. Females cows keep tabs on the calves while others eat. At night, they typically sleep huddled together.
It is unknown exactly when the breed was developed. However, they are clearly depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphics. They are even seen in ancient rock paintings found in the Sahara. Many tribes have relied on the breed over the centuries. However, it is probably most closely associated with the Tutsi of Rwanda. The animal was food, currency and even a status symbol within the tribe. The breed is known as the Cattle of Kings.
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