This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
On August 23, 2020, a devastating stampede occurred in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, resulting in the deaths of over 300 wildebeests.
The wildebeests were attempting to cross the Mara River, but the swollen waters proved to be a fatal obstacle.
According to Maasai Mara Deputy Chief game warden Eddy Nkoitoi, the stampede occurred due to the high number of wildebeests and the pressure from the back while those in front kept dropping down, blocking the way.
"So all the wildebeests that came from the back stepped on the first ones down and so on, hundreds died, giving hundreds of crocodiles and vultures more than they can chew," said Mr Nkoitoi.
Conservationists described the deaths near the Lookout area as tragic, with many of the animals simply picking the wrong point to cross the river.
Maasai Mara rangers were seen rescuing a wildebeest calf that survived the drowning incident.
Mr Nkoitoi estimated that more than 10,000 wildebeests have died since the beginning of the migration in May from different causes, including predators, natural reasons, accidents, and stampedes.
"I have lived in the Mara for the past ten years and this is by far the worst I have ever seen. It is very distressing for people who have been working to prevent poaching to see such large numbers of animals wiped out in a matter of days," he added.
