In the Mara Triangle reserve, a lone wildebeest narrowly escaped three crocodiles during its attempt to cross the Mara River. The dramatic event was captured on camera by Luke Street, content and communications manager for tour company Wild Eye. As the last of over 300 animals trying to cross the river, the wildebeest faced relentless attacks from the crocodiles.
Despite multiple attempts to grab hold of the antelope, one crocodile managed to grab onto its back and tried to drag it underwater. However, due to the shallow water, the wildebeest was able to stand tall and fight back. Eventually, it broke free and swam to safety on shore. Another crocodile also tried to grab onto the wildebeest’s leg but was unsuccessful.
Wildebeests are scientifically known as Connochaetes and are common herbivores in Africa that play a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem balance. These animals often merge with zebra herds for added protection against predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and crocodiles. Despite their numbers, only a small percentage of wildebeests survive their first year of life due to predation risks.
The intense encounter between the lone wildebeest and three crocodiles serves as a stark reminder of survival challenges in nature. It highlights how these animals’ resilience and strength allow them to overcome danger in even the most challenging conditions.