Environment ministry confirms the death of over 100 buffaloes in Zambezi – Windhoek Observer

Stefanus Nashama

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism confirmed last week that over 100 buffaloes have tragically perished in the Zambezi Region.

According to the ministry, these animals met their demise due to a stampede that occurred in the area of Kabulabula within the Zambezi region.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Romeo Muyunda, confirmed the incident and stated that over 100 buffaloes were reported to have drowned during this stampede.

Muyunda commented, “The information we have received indicates that over 100 buffaloes unfortunately lost their lives in the stampede. We will provide precise numbers and additional relevant details as the investigation progresses.”

Initial investigations suggest that the buffaloes were being pursued and ultimately driven into the water, where many of them met their tragic end. Muyunda elaborated, “It is suspected that the buffalos were attempting to escape from lions that were chasing them.”

Muyunda confirmed that no human injuries were reported as a result of this incident. He explained that animal stampedes occur naturally, particularly when a group of large animals suddenly begins running in the same direction while in close proximity to each other, as has been documented in the past.

“This is a natural occurrence for animals that move in larger groups; this incident is not the first of its kind,” Muyunda noted.

The ministry, in collaboration with conservancy officials, swiftly dispatched teams to the scene to conduct further investigations. Additional information will be communicated once the investigation is concluded.

However, a subsequent report from the scene later confirmed that a total of 117 buffaloes were involved in the drowning incident, and all of them died.