LOOK: Wild animals seek refuge after devastating floods hit Kruger National Park
Recent floods at South Africa's Kruger National Park have forced wildlife to seek higher ground, with viral videos showing animals, including crocodiles, searching for refuge.
Image: Facebook Via: Shane Mshintsha Maritz
Following recent flooding in the Kruger National Park, numerous videos have circulated online, showing wild animals straying far from their natural habitats as they seek refuge.
Trending videos on social media show animals in the water trying to escape, with some crocodiles even seeking refuge in people’s homes.
SANParks confirmed that earlier this week, several day visitors were unable to exit the park when a bridge at Crocodile Bridge Gate was submerged due to flooding.
Kruger National Park spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli told AP News that the animals in the park were adaptable and capable of moving to higher ground. However, precautionary measures were required to protect guests, some of whom had already been evacuated from the low-lying camps.
Kruger National Park, South Africa's largest national park, is located in the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. It serves as an important sanctuary for wildlife, particularly predators such as large prides of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.
The park is also a major reserve for "the Big Five," South Africa's most famous animals, which are a primary attraction for tourists in Mpumalanga and Limpopo. This renowned game reserve is known for its substantial breeding herds of elephants and large concentrations of lions, wild dogs, leopards, and buffalo herds.
The circulating videos on social media, however, have led citizens to question their safety from wild animals. The closeness of these animals puts lives in danger, particularly if the animals attempt to move into residential areas.
Comments on Facebook reflected a divided response to the videos, with some users questioning their authenticity as AI-generated content, while others expressed concern for the animals.
The picture above trended on Facebook as others are questioning if it's real or AI-generated or real. While others are fearing for people's lives and the animals' lives.
Image: Facebook Via: African Bush Kingdom
Wouda Du PlessisSjoe! expressed deep concern, commenting, "I hope some ranger can tell what happens to the animals. I understand some go to higher ground, some washed away 😢, but are all congregated on little hillocks around?"
Louise Patterton, however, suggested the image was fake but noted the plausibility of crocodiles moving: "While the photo is not real, it is likely that crocs will move around and could find their way to villages."
Countering the claims of AI generation, Shane Mshintsha Maritz offered anecdotal evidence and a photo: "Those saying it's AI. It's not. My village home is near the Kruger.. walking distance or short drive... Crocodiles have been spotted at a neighbouring village that's next to the Kruger.. That is Matsulu. Entrance to KNP is the Numbi Gate from here."
IOL