Gnu is a derivation of the name used by native Africans. The names are used interchangeably. A gathering of gnus is called a herd. However, James Lipton (of "Inside the Actors Studio" fame ...

Their leaders look pretty similar to the rest of the herd but may differ in stature and wisdom. When gnus eat, they all eat together, and one will not find a fat gnu in the company of thin gnus.