This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
Tragic Loss of Life in Maasai Mara Game Reserve ¶
Published on August 25, 2020, a devastating wildebeest stampede occurred in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives.
The Mara River, swollen with water, proved to be a fatal crossing point for the wildebeests, with many drowning in the swirling waters or being snatched by crocodiles.
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.
Since the beginning of the migration in May, more than 10,000 wildebeests are estimated to have died from different causes, including predators, natural reasons, accidents, and stampedes.
Mr Nkoitoi described the current situation as the worst he has seen in the past ten years, with the large number of animal deaths being distressing for those working to prevent poaching.
The wildebeest migration, named among the seven natural wonders of the world, occurs every year as several animals gather at the river's banks before plunging into the water to cross over in search of pasture.
Each year, hundreds die in the stampede, with this incident being one of the rare instances where such a large number of wildebeests died in a single day.
