This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
Published on August 25, 2020, a report from the Mara Game Reserve revealed a devastating incident where over 300 wildebeests lost their lives during their annual migration.
The tragic event occurred when the wildebeests attempted to cross the Mara River, resulting in a stampede that led to the drowning of hundreds of the animals.
According to Maasai Mara chief warden James Sindiyo, stampede and drowning are a natural part of the wildebeest migration phenomenon.
"During the migration, many wildebeests die from the stampede, drowning and even being preyed on. It is a game of the jungle and nature's at its best," Mr. Sindiyo said.
He further explained that the likelihood of wildebeests dying during the migration depends on the route they take and the volume of water in the river.
"The more perilous and deep the route they choose, the more wildebeests are likely to die," Mr. Sindiyo added.
Kenya Tour Driver Guides Association chairperson Nick Kiritu also weighed in on the incident, describing the routes where stampedes and drownings occur as 'filter routes'.
"We call them filter routes because it is only the lucky ones that make it... It is part of the game and those that drown automatically do not make it to the next migration. Those that cross over qualify to the next game," Mr. Kiritu said.
