This archive report was first published on 26 August 2020.
Published on August 26, 2020, a devastating stampede occurred in the Mara Game Reserve, resulting in the deaths of over 300 wildebeests as they attempted to cross the Mara River.
The incident, which is one of the largest single wildebeest deaths in recent history, was witnessed by tourists who watched in awe as hundreds of the animals died in the crocodile-infested waters of the Mara.
According to Maasai Mara Chief Warden James Sindiyo, stampede and drowning are a natural part of the migration phenomenon, with many wildebeests dying from the stampede, drowning, and being preyed upon by predators.
"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 explained that drowning depends on the route the wildebeests take and the volume of water in the river, with more perilous and deep routes resulting in more deaths.
Kenya Tour Driver Guides Association chairperson Nick Kiritu added that the perilous routes common to stampedes and drowning are known as filter routes, where only the lucky ones make it through.
"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," he said.
