Not Africa, but Tokat: Water buffaloes cool off in a pond

In the Erbaa district of Tokat, water buffaloes entering a pond to cool off created scenes reminiscent of African documentaries.

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Not Africa, but Tokat: Water buffaloes cool off in a pond

Melike Çakır, a 22-year-old water buffalo herder in Tokat's Erbaa district, cools her buffaloes off in a pond when they get overwhelmed by the heat.

The sight of the buffaloes entering the water in a herd creates images that rival African documentaries.

THE ONLY THING MISSING IS THE CROCODILES

Stating that she takes great pleasure in caring for the buffaloes, Melike Çakır said that the only difference from Africa is the crocodiles, adding, "I work in agriculture and livestock with my family. While my mother and I take care of the water buffaloes, my father handles the farming. When we wake up in the morning, we start with milking. After milking, we release the animals and put them in the water. We let them out to pasture. Our shepherds look after them throughout the day. When evening comes, we bring them back for milking. We ensure the animals cool off first. Because their skin is black, the sun hits them hard and makes them very uncomfortable. They relax after we put them in the water. Since they have some parasites on them, they both lie in the mud and enter the water to cool off. Although this place resembles Africa in appearance, it is a place in Tokat. You saw the place where they enter the lake. Those who see this place say they are waiting as if a crocodile is going to come out of it. This is the Erbaa district of Tokat. I have always given the water buffaloes different names. They have very different names. We gave them names based on their personal characteristics or appearances, such as Yontuk and Cıbır. I have a special bond with them because I have been with them since I was little," she said.