Usually, when we are in the Mara and we hear of a Wildebeest crossing, excitement fills the air. The thought of huge herds crossing the river with splashing & drama, not to mention the tightly packed animals is enough to stir any photographer. The behavior is fascinating to watch as they patiently wait for the very first Wildebeest to enter and cross. Lots of false crossings happen but to watch a successful crossing is beyond amazing! However, a lost chance or bad crossing can be devastating…

On my last workshop (second group) in Kenya my group was treated to an enormous wildebeest crossing. Unfortunately, the wildebeest chose a very difficult place to cross. Our guides told us before the crossing that they couldn’t have picked a worse spot. They predicted many deaths would occur and not just from crocodiles. As the huge congregation started their accent from the riverbank it became apparent that the wildebeest would have great difficulty climbing the steep slope up on the opposite bank.

As more and more of the herd filled the river, the slope became extremely muddy and slippery making it nearly impossible for them to climb. Once the numbers increased there was total chaos as each animal fought for their life at the edge of the bank. They were being stepped on and forced underwater as well as up against the wall. When the dust settled nearly 100 dead wildebeest floated down the river in what seemed to be a never-ending procession. It was extremely heartbreaking to watch such an epic failure.