A buffalo has been stuck in the mud at the Punda Maria water hole in the Kruger National Park since September 26. The animal has been trapped for nearly three full days.
Concerned members on the Park’s Facebook group asked if and when authorities will rescue the buffalo.
‘They cannot remove buffalo immediately – they need to weaken, as they charge when being rescued. Leave it to the guys in the know to deal with the situation please,’ said Delene Preston, administrator of the group.
SANParks then released a statement, saying: ‘Please note that camp management were aware of the buffalo stuck in the mud from the minute it became stuck. They have made regular visits to access the buffalo. This afternoon [September 28] the camp manager was up to his waist in the mud. Currently it is too strong to try and rescue, and there is a great risk it could charge into the camp through the fence and harm visitors. The animal will continue to be monitored and will be rescued once it is not a threat to visitors.’
However, group members were divided about whether this approach is the right one. ‘Come on guys make a fuss so that it can be saved,’ one member said.
‘Why??? Its part of nature. It happens. Soon enough the predators will come around,’ another commented in response.
‘If it can’t get out by himself then nature will deal with it, it’s not a zoo,’ someone added.
Another member told their story of a similar experience in the past: ‘I would like to comment about the buffalo which is stuck in mud. We had the same situation in Botswana. That animal was stuck for THREE DAYS we battled for hours to get ropes around it so that we could pull it out without hurting it AND also remember once it is out the ropes should fall away easily, you cant go and undo any ropes!
‘Well, after a very very long battle we eventually got it out, and guess what ? it actually stormed the vehicle and lifted the front right hand side UP !!! STUCK IN THE MUD FOR 3 DAYS !!! very upset and very grumpy. it stalked around for a while and then walked into the bushes. So, it is not an easy task to perform. Leave it to the people who are qualified and trained to do it, they will help it.’
This is a developing story.
Image credit: Getaway gallery/unrelated
