To reach new food sources, the great migratory herds of East Africa must face numerous perils. Amongst these, river crossings are often the sight of high drama, as shown in this video.
Rachel Chapman submitted this footage to Latest Sightings. It was filmed at an undisclosed location in either Tanzania or Kenya.
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Watching a desperate wildebeest get pulled under by a massive crocodile during a dangerous river crossing is a truly intense moment. To see more amazing survival moments join our community. Tap the link below to enter our WhatsApp group and get the best videos.
A pause as old as time
The video starts by showing a moment repeated over millennia. Driven by hunger, a herd of migrating wildebeest pauses alongside a river they must cross to reach new grazing.
Ancient wisdom tells them that danger lurks ahead. The waters are swift and deep, and predators lie in wait. However, instinct drives them forward.
Eventually, one of the wildebeest makes its way down the embankment. Moments later, others follow.
Even at the water’s edge, the herd pauses once more. And with good reason.
A good reason
Lurking in the swift brown waters, one of the world’s most ancient predators waits. For the Nile crocodiles of this river, the arrival of the herd heralds a seasonal bounty that is hard to resist.
It is said that these crocs may eat only once per year. And that opportunity may have just arrived.
Crossing begins
Consequently, it comes as a surprise that, when the first animals cross, the croc takes no action.
Experience has taught the crocs that individual animals are harder to target. However, when the bulk of the herd enters the water, the croc finally moves into position.
Still no rush
By now, the herd is using a solitary exit point. Accordingly, the crocs slowly positions itself nearby.
To our surprise, however, it still bides its time. Rather than waste an opportunity in haste, the croc patiently waits for the exact right moment.
Patience prevails
However, in a seeming miscalculation on its part, the current carries the croc away from the action. Instead of swimming back, the croc’s patience prevails.
Although some wildebeest pass nearby, the croc is still content to wait. Living in excess of 100 years, crocs know the virtues of patience.
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Patience rewarded
Inevitably, the moment we’ve been waiting for happens. As a wildebeest struggles to get up the slippery rocks, the current delivers it straight into the croc’s waiting jaws.
Exhausted by the crossing, the unfortunate wildebeest offers little resistance. Instead, the croc slips into deeper water, dragging its prey away from the herd.
Despite this, the rest of the herd trudges on. There is little that they can do, and, in cases like this, the well-being of the herd trumps individual survival.
Resigned to its fate
As for the captured gnu, its feeble splashes imply an animal all but resigned to its fate. As water fills its lungs and shock takes over, the croc easily makes off with its failing, limp body.
Soon, the only indication that something untoward has happened is the sight of the wildebeest’s hooves above the waterline.
While its life is over, for the rest of the herd, life goes on. Back at the crossing point, plains zebra join the wildebeest as they ascend the far bank.
This time around, they are the lucky ones. Next time around? Who knows? The only thing for certain is that the crocs will be there.