Watch incredible BBC footage of wildebeests at the water’s edge going back into crocodile-infested waters, narrated by David Attenborough
The wildebeest migration of the Serengeti-Masai Mara ecosystem is an incredible natural event, where over 1.4 million wildebeest, alongside zebra and antelope, travel hundreds of miles together, stopping when they can to drink along the way.
It’s at this point, however, that they are most vulnerable to one of their arch-predators. In this footage, crocodiles in the Grumeti River lie in wait for the herd, planning their attack.
But despite witnessing a brutal savage attack on one of their own, the wildebeest are more confused than frightened, and don’t seem to heed the warning about returning to the river bank for more water.
It’s not just the baby wildebeest – the adult wildebeests are also confused about just how much danger they are in.
Following the first attack they return to the water with disastrous consequences. This astonishing footage from BBC Earth, narrated by David Attenborough, shows the moment that the wildebeests get the message and stampede back onto the plains.
Meanwhile, the crocodiles work together to pull down their victims and perform the death roll. Crocodiles are just one of the predators encountered on the wildebeest migration, which also attracts the likes of hyenas, crocodiles, leopards, jackals and cheetahs.
This article by Daisy Bowie-Sell was first published by Discover Wildlife on 25 February 2026. Lead Image: EcoPic via Getty.
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