The Maasai Mara National Reserve has explained an incident captured in a viral video showing tourists stepping out of safari vehicles and blocking wildebeests as they tried to cross a river.
The video caused concern online, with viewers saying the tourists’ actions forced the animals back into crocodile-infested waters, creating danger for both people and wildlife.
Chief Warden Stephen Ole Minis clarified that the clip was taken at Purungat (South) Bridge, a designated rest and viewing spot where visitors are normally allowed to get out of vehicles, but only under the watch of armed rangers. It also has washrooms and is a favorite hippo viewing location.
It was on the day of the crash, he testified, that the bridge was submerged and cars had stopped to wait for the water to subside. It was then that a group of wildebeest suddenly began crossing.
“Although there was a moment’s delay, some of the tourists disembarked as always occurs in this venue. Before the wildebeest arrived, rangers quickly ushered everyone back into their vehicles. This was accomplished in under a minute, which is why the video clip is so short,” Minis explained, clarifying no animals were hurt.
He explained that the Reserve does not condone activity that harasses wildlife and that tour operators who were on the grounds when the incident occurred had been reminded to be stringently adherent to park rules.
Minis also denied accusations that tourists were asked for bribes to access the area, indicating the charge was unproven but would be pursued further
