While August is the high season for Mara River crossings of the big herds in the Masai Mara, there are year round small river crossings of resident herds of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras as they move within the Masai Mara in search for fresh grass. On a day in December zebras gathered at the river, feeding on the river bank, drinking from the river and waiting for more zebras to arrive. They were preparing to cross the river, waiting to be higher in numbers for more safety. The water level was very low and crocodiles were waiting, their heads above water, visible to the zebras. Despite the obvious danger, the zebras started to cross in single file from two points of the river bank and while heading to the same exit point they formed a triangle that enclosed the crocodiles. The crocodiles had to observe both sides, which was a slight advantage for the zebras. Crossing in single file formation also provided some safety for the zebras, as it is difficult to distinguish and target a single animal. But it is hard to cross in an ideal single file, as there are obstacles covered by the water that break up the formation. Normally a crocodile attacks from under water the swimming animal, grabs a limb and while rolling over pulling the prey under water to drown it. Although this is still deadly for the prey, it is relatively quick. For the zebras the low water level meant that they were walking through the river, not swimming, which gave them some advantage, but not for all. A crocodile singled out a younger zebra and attacked its back limb. But because the zebra was standing and not swimming it could not topple it and drown it. The zebra stood firm, the crocodile at its back limb. Other crocodiles joint in and when four crocodiles held on to all four limbs they managed to topple it and it drowned. When an animal like a zebra is physically restrained by a predator, they enter a state of paralysis know as tonic immobility, also called as going into a trance. This is a reflexive response during which they feel reduced or no pain due to a surge of hormones. While it was a dramatic and slow end for the zebra, it saved all others. The crocodiles were distracted and the rest of the herd made it safely to the other side. Some wildlife stories can be hard to witness, yet what stays is the memory of the bravery and resilience of the animals, which makes these memories even more special.
