A devastating event has unfolded in Namibia, where over 80 buffaloes tragically drowned in the Chobe River. According to the Namibian Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, the buffaloes were attempting to escape a lion attack in neighboring Botswana when they fell from a steep cliff into the river on the Namibian side of the border. This heartbreaking incident highlights the perilous realities of the wild for these magnificent creatures.
The conservancy’s Mbeha Tadeus explained that such stampedes are often triggered when herds are pursued by predators. “Whenever they are chased by lions, they try to cross over into Namibia and start [trampling over] each other,” he stated.
This is not the first time a large number of buffaloes have met a tragic end in this manner. In 2018, a similar incident resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 buffaloes who fell into the Chobe River, which is a well-known tourist destination celebrated for its abundant wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, and giraffes.
The ministry’s spokesperson, Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, confirmed that the animals originated from Botswana and that the meat from the recovered carcasses would be shared among the nearby communities. Footage shared online showed residents dividing the meat, underscoring the immediate impact of the event on local life.