Kenya: Bell Tolls for Hippos in River Mara
2 August 2009



Nairobi — Over 2,400 hippos in the Mara River are in danger because of a sharp drop in water levels. The water level, directly blamed on the Mau destruction, is said to be the lowest ever witnessed.

The spectacular annual wildebeest migration which attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world is also expected to be badly affected.

A visit to one of the famous crossing sites in the Mara on Wednesday showed that the spectacle is dying off with the wildebeest casually jumping across the shallow waters.

Swept away

"The Mara is usually in flood at this time, making it difficult for the animals to cross," said Maasai Mara chief warden James Sindiyo. Three years ago, over 10,000 wildebeest were swept away by the floods, making it one of the most memorable crossings.

There are indications that there could be massive deaths of hippos as the water in their resting pools is not enough to cover their bodies, leaving them exposed to the sun. Several carcasses of crocodiles, which are dying because of shrinking marine life, could be seen scattered on the river bed.