A recent video circulating on social media shows a herd of wildebeest trying to cross the Mara River in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. However, people believed to be employees of the nearby Mara Ngenche Safari Camp can be seen chasing the animals away.
This resulted in a potentially dangerous backtracking of the herd, causing several wildebeest to die after being trampled, according to The Sunday Times.
Kenya’s Tourism Cabinet Secretary, Najib Balala has called for the safari camp to be closed. ‘I have discussed with Narok Governor Samuel Tunai, about the camp built beside the Mara River, blocking the Wildebeest crossing. Its very disturbing and we expect the Governor to take action and have the camp removed!’ Balala said according to The Star.
‘I have also insisted that we need a Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan, that will not only enhance biodiversity, but also protect our wildlife migratory corridors, from greed,’ Balala added.
The lodge has responded with a statement, saying staff reacted out of necessity to keep themselves and guests at the lodge safe from being injured by a stampede.
Atua Enkop Africa, the owning company of Mara Ngenche Safari Camp, issued the following on their website:
Watch the video of the wildebeests attempting to cross:
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Image: Screenshot from video
