Watatunga Welcomes William the Wildebeest to Norfolk Reserve

A New Face at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve

There’s a new arrival grazing the grasslands at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, and with his unmistakably wonky horns, William the wildebeest (affectionately known as “Willy Wonka”) has already captured the attention of staff and visitors alike.

At ten years old, William is settling in beautifully, and although his species isn’t one we usually take on, we were able to offer him a safe and spacious home here in our Norfolk reserve.

Why William the Wildebeest Is Unique

Wildebeest are typically herd animals, roaming in large numbers across the African savannah to protect themselves from predators. So it’s understandable that visitors and followers on social media have had questions about William being on his own.

While Watatunga normally focuses on endangered and rare species, William’s case was a little different. He came from another collection where he could no longer be looked after, and we were in a position to offer him a suitable home and the specialist care he needed.

William is thriving and has created his own herd as such with our other animals, forming an unexpected bond with our eastern mountain bongos and Roan. The reserve has no natural predators for his species, so he chooses when he wants to be around them or when he fancies a snooze in the sun by himself. He has been seen displaying relaxed, natural behaviour and is adjusting to his new routine with ease.

His Quirky Horns and Nickname

William’s horns give him a distinctive look, one that led to his rather charming nickname. We think they were likely knocked early in life, resulting in the slight tilt that makes him so recognisable. He quickly became known to the team as “Willy Wonka,” and it stuck. It’s a name that reflects both his quirkiness and the fondness we already feel for him.

A Natural Home at Watatunga

Watatunga’s varied landscape, with its open grasslands, lakes and woodlands, provides the perfect environment for William. It’s a space where he can move freely, graze as he pleases, and settle into a life that mimics his natural habitat as closely as possible. Our approach at Watatunga is to encourage animals to display natural behaviours in a peaceful, low-intervention setting. We don’t over-handle our animals, but we do keep a close eye on their health and step in where necessary.

Come and See William on a Safari Tour

William is now on our main reserve after his initial soft release into the catch, and visitors might spot him enjoying the sun, relaxing in the grass, or sharing space with his bongo companions. While William the wildebeest may not be our typical resident, we’re proud to be able to give him the life he deserves and he’s showing all the behaviours we’d hope to see from a healthy, content animal.

If you’re planning a visit soon, be sure to keep an eye out for those wonderfully wonky horns. You never know where William the Wildebeest or “Willy Wonka” might pop up next! Plus with the school holidays coming soon, now is the best time to book a family day out on a safari tour, book here.