In a sad turn of events, over 80 buffaloes have lost their lives after plunging off a cliff and drowning in a river in Namibia. The tragic incident occurred as these majestic animals were being chased by lions from Botswana, leading to a panic that resulted in their tragic fall into the Chobe River, as stated by Namibia's environment and tourism department.
This is not an isolated incident. In the past, hundreds of buffaloes have faced similar fates while trying to escape predators. Notably, in 2018, a shocking incident saw around 400 buffaloes drown while attempting to cross the river, known for its diverse wildlife including elephants and giraffes.
According to the latest reports, Mbeha Tadeus from Namibia's Kabulabula Conservancy explained that the buffaloes typically cross over to Namibia when fleeing from lions. Whenever they are chased by lions, they try to cross over into Namibia and start [trampling over] each other, Tadeus noted. This deeply concerning trend raises questions about wildlife migration patterns and their interactions with human landscapes.
Officials have confirmed that the buffaloes came from Botswana, though it's unverified whether they originated from Chobe National Park. Following the tragedy, Namibian authorities have stated that the meat of the deceased buffaloes will be distributed among communities nearby, ensuring that the resources are not wasted. Residents have also been seen collecting the meat along the riverbank in footage shared by local media.
The current estimate of buffaloes lost has been reported to vary, with some sources stating as many as 90 were involved in the event, which transpired early local time.
