Lions pursued a buffalo herd across the border from Botswana into Namibia, resulting in the deaths of more than 80 animals. The frightened buffaloes plunged from a steep cliff into the Chobe River and either trampled each other or drowned during their escape attempt. Officials from Namibia's environment and tourism department confirmed the incident occurred around dawn near the international boundary. Kabulabula Conservancy representatives explained that buffalo herds regularly flee into Namibian territory when predators threaten them in Chobe National Park. This escape pattern often leads to fatal stampedes as the animals panic and crush one another.
Similar tragedies have struck the region repeatedly over recent years. The worst disaster happened in 2018 when approximately 400 buffaloes perished in the same river during comparable circumstances. Namibian authorities plan to distribute the meat from these carcasses among nearby communities rather than allowing the remains to waste. Local residents gathered at the riverbank to collect portions of the buffalo meat for their families.
Similar tragedies have struck the region repeatedly over recent years. The worst disaster happened in 2018 when approximately 400 buffaloes perished in the same river during comparable circumstances. Namibian authorities plan to distribute the meat from these carcasses among nearby communities rather than allowing the remains to waste. Local residents gathered at the riverbank to collect portions of the buffalo meat for their families.
