Over 100 Buffaloes Drown in Chobe River Stampede
More than 100 buffaloes drowned while attempting to cross the Chobe River at Kabulabula in Namibia’s Zambezi Region on Monday night, officials confirmed.
The tragedy unfolded along the Botswana border, where a stampede erupted as buffaloes, chased by lions, plunged into the Chobe River in a desperate attempt to escape.
The river’s steep banks and strong currents proved deadly for the panicked herd.
Spokesperson for Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Ndeshipanda Hamunyela, told AFP:
“It is an unfortunate incident. The animals fell from a deep cliff down into the river and some tumbled over each other.”
The Chobe River serves as a vital migratory corridor for wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather at its banks to drink.
While buffalo drownings are not uncommon in the region, incidents of this magnitude are rare.
In November 2018, more than 400 buffaloes died under similar circumstances, and in October 2023, another 100 drowned while being chased by predators.
According to ZimLive, conservationists have long warned that the river’s terrain and predator activity pose seasonal risks to wildlife.
Earlier today, residents from nearby communities gathered at Kabulabula to collect meat from the carcasses, following a long-standing local tradition.
Footage aired by Namibia Broadcasting Corporation showed men using axes to butcher the animals and load meat onto pickup trucks.
While this practice is common, officials urged caution to avoid health risks and potential conflict with scavenging predators.
Environmental experts also raised concerns about the ecological impact of such mass deaths, warning that decomposing carcasses could contaminate the river system and attract predators closer to human settlements.
Authorities have assured the public that measures are being taken to manage the situation and reduce further risk.
“The ministry and law enforcement officials are on site to maintain order and manage the situation,” Hamunyela added.
