This amazing footage of the wildebeest migration really puts into perspective just how many animals are involved in this immense movement from one location to another.
In the hunt for greener pastures, these wildebeest were tumbling over each other as the sheer amount of them meant it was impossible not to get in each other’s way, or cut up other members of the herd.
Nick Dale was lucky enough to witness this migration in the Masai Mara, in time for the wildebeest to be undertaking their crossing of the waters, and sent in his footage into Latest Sightings.
On The Move
Once the wildebeest do start to move on their endless search for grazing land, they move in some truly impressive numbers. With the appearance of a stampede they can crash into the shallow water, the ones at the back of the group driving the front onwards.
The river crossing is a special moment of the migration which can be difficult to predict. Not all of the wildebeest will cross but the majority, it seems, will at least make an attempt.
For predators lurking in the depths of the water, it’s a golden opportunity to select from the buffet of prey that suddenly crashes across their domain. All a hungry croc would need to do is lie in wait.
Spoiled For Choice
With this many wildebeest splashing through the shallower areas, there were good odds that one of them would not be in peak physical condition, and that would be the target for any potential predators.
The ones that were getting on in years, or the younger and smaller ones would both be less able to maintain the pace of the fitter and healthier wildebeest, and any that were recovering from another injury would be prime targets too.
The wildebeest must have known this threat they were exposing themselves to, and in their desperation to get past this dangerous point of the migration they often collided with each other while jumping into the water.
An Essential Risk
Narrow spits of land offered the wildebeest temporary reprieves from the dangers of the water, but in most cases the only way to get across was to wade in, sometimes up to their shoulders.
Even if some of the migrating animals had wanted to stop and consider the risk, they just didn’t have the option, the push of the herd overran any attempt at hesitation. It appeared that the need to move was the most important thing.
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The Grass Is Always Greener
Their desperation to cross these bodies of water is a result of the simplest of biological principles. Eating food equals staying alive for longer, and in this case the grass is literally greener on the other side.
This long journey won’t end in a traditional sense, as their migration in the direction of food will continue, but when they finally make it to their next destination they will find fields of grass that has grown in their absence, and their destination after that will have the same in store.
Unpredictable moments like these are all the more impressive to safari-goers when they spot them, and Nick got lucky to capture such an amazing event on camera.
