More than 80 buffaloes drown after falling from cliff into Chobe River in Namibia
Buffaloes fleeing lions from Botswana crossed into Namibia, then tumbled into the river; authorities plan to distribute meat to nearby communities as past mass die-offs are recalled.
More than 80 buffaloes drowned after tumbling off a deep cliff into the Chobe River on the Namibian side, while fleeing lions from neighbouring Botswana, according to Namibia's environment and tourism ministry.
BBC News cited the toll as more than 80; NBC News later reported about 90.
The incident occurred around 05:00 local time, and authorities said the animals originated from Botswana. A ministry spokesperson could not confirm whether they were from Chobe National Park, but officials noted that buffaloes in the region have repeatedly crossed the border when pursued by predators.
The ministry said the meat from the carcasses would be distributed to communities in the immediate area. A video shared by NBC News showed residents collecting and splitting meat near the riverbank.
The event comes amid a history of similar tragedies in the border area. In 2018, around 400 buffaloes died after rushing into the river that flows through Botswana's Chobe National Park, a major tourist attraction known for elephants, buffaloes and giraffes. Chobe National Park remains a magnet for visitors and wildlife alike, while cross-border movements regularly bring wildlife into Namibia's Kavango region.
Officials cautioned that such incidents highlight ongoing challenges in managing cross-border wildlife movements and ensuring safety for nearby communities. The Namibian authorities continue to monitor the situation as they assess ecological and community impacts.