About the Watusi
General Information
The Ankole-Watusi, often referred to as the “Cattle of Kings,” is a striking breed of domestic cattle native to East and Central Africa. Renowned for their incredible, sweeping horns, these animals can weigh between 900 to 1,600 pounds and come in a wide variety of solid, spotted, and speckled coat patterns.
Their most defining feature is undoubtedly their massive, horn-like structures. These horns can span up to 8 feet from tip to tip and boast a world record for the largest horn circumference. Beyond their intimidating defense mechanism, the horns act as a natural cooling system. They are filled with a complex network of blood vessels; as blood circulates through the horns, it is cooled by the passing air before returning to the body, helping the animal endure extreme, sweltering temperatures.
Historically, these cattle hold significant cultural value to tribes such as the Tutsi, Ankole, and Bahima, where they are kept as ceremonial animals, a symbol of wealth, and a measure of a family’s social status. Because they were developed in arid and rugged environments, they are remarkably resilient and efficient, capable of surviving on poor-quality forage and limited water. They are highly social animals that protect their young diligently, often sleeping in a circular formation with the calves sheltered safely in the middle of the herd.
Suitable Weapons
Use a minimum of a .30 caliber rifle.
Hunting Area
Watusis are hunted on hunting preserves primarily in Texas, but there are few other high fence operations in other USA states, and some in South Africa.
