The crocodiles seem to know a herd of wildebeest has arrived before anyone else
does. The most ferocious group of crocodiles is in line along the shore awaiting
a chance to capture one of the wildebeest. After a series of weeks, the seasonal
river shrinks into a series of pools. This makes it even harder for animals to
get something to drink without getting attacked by a crocodile, some of which
are eighteen feet, weigh almost a ton, and can move at extremely deadly speeds.
On top of this, the crocodiles will eat anything they can catch. The crocodile
is a cold-blooded reptile with a very slow metabolism; therefore, they can last
six months or longer without eating. Many of the crocodiles only eat when these
herds come. The herds are easier targets because many of the wildebeest,
especially calves, have never seen a crocodile before. The impalas, baboons, and
warthogs that live there year-round have learned when and when not to approach
the river. The crocodiles’ annual feast on the unexpecting wildebeest in the
Grumeti River has proven these crocodiles to be very strong and deadly.