Wildebeests roam the Serengeti National Park

They dwell in a vast plain in Tanzania

Just west of the Great Rift Valley

With them live other animals

Like zebras, cheetahs, and gazelles

- – -

In this park

The rules of the jungle

Are played out

It’s move or die

And even if there’s migration

There’s no security

Because of ever lurking predators

- – -

The wildebeests are always vulnerable

When their young are born

They can easily be picked off

Their mothers have to defend them

And the young have to be able

To stand on their feet

And learn to run from their prey

As soon as they can

- – -

One of these predators is the cheetah

That’s fast and deadly

And is able to reap havoc

Among wildebeests

Because of its speed

And agility

- – -

With changing seasons

And prompted by their collective instinct

The wildebeests attempt to cross

Rivers that are a death trap

For in them lurk crocodiles

That pick mostly the young off

One at a time

- – -

Much of their carcass

That remains on the Serengeti

From those that die as a result

Of stress and injury

Are devoured by vultures

That wait patiently nearby

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

For their opportunity

- – -

Five of six newborn wildebeests

Will not make it

Through the year

- – -