Kenya: Wildebeests Drown in River

East African Standard (Nairobi)
11 October 2007
Kipchumba Kemei
Nairobi

OVER 15,000 wildebeests died in the raging Mara River, at the South Bridge, as they crossed from Tanzania to Kenya.

Mr Sarisa Nkadaro, the Mara conservancy administrative officer, told The Standard and World-wide Fund for Nature officials that 20,000 wildebeests and Zebras have so far been swept away in three different crossing points since the migration started in July.

Tourist picnics along the river, especially near the bridge, have been suspended because of the stench and scavengers.

The Maasai Mara's senior warden, Mr Michael Koikai, said the incident was shocking.

He added that it was the first time in the history of the reserve that a large number of wildebeests had died in such a tragic manner.

The Mara river fund manager, Mrs Doris Ombara-Okundi, condemned the destruction of Mau forest.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200710101086.html

The Wildebeest Migration