The Lake Believed to Turn Animals into Stone

Nestled in the heart of East Africa, Lake Natron has captured the world’s imagination with its eerie ability to preserve creatures in a macabre dance with nature. 

But does this menacing lake truly petrify animals, turning them into stone?

What is Lake Natron?

Lake Natron is a mineral rich alkaline lake located in northern Tanzania, on the border with Kenya. It is in the Gregory Rift, which is the eastern branch of the East African Rift.

The lake is known for its unique reddish-pink color, caused by the high concentration of salt and minerals in the water. The lake is also known for its caustic environment, which is a barrier against predators trying to reach the nests of the lesser flamingos that breed there.

Lake Natron is a Ramsar Site wetland of international significance and is the only regular breeding area for Africa’s lesser flamingos. The lake is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including fish, crocodiles, and hippos.

Why is the Lake Red in Color?

The reddish-pink color of Lake Natron is primarily caused by the presence of haloarchaea (or halobacteria), a type of salt-loving microorganism.^(ref) These microorganisms thrive in the lake’s extremely salty and alkaline conditions. Haloarchaea contains a red pigment, which gives the lake its distinctive color.

The intensity of the red color varies depending on the water level and the concentration of microorganisms. During the dry season, when the water level is low and the salt concentration is high, the color becomes more intense. In contrast, during the wet season, the color may be less pronounced.

In addition to haloarchaea, other factors can contribute to the lake’s color, such as the presence of certain types of algae and bacteria. These microorganisms also thrive in the harsh conditions of Lake Natron and can produce pigments that affect the water’s appearance.

The red color is mainly concentrated in the deeper parts of the lake. In shallower areas, the color may appear more orange due to the presence of different microorganisms and mineral deposits.

What Animals Live in Lake Natron?

Despite its harsh conditions, Lake Natron is home to a surprisingly diverse range of organisms:

• Lesser Flamingos: There are 2.5 million lesser flamingos this side of East Africa.^(ref) The lake’s caustic environment acts as a natural barrier against predators, making it an ideal breeding ground for millions of flamingos. They feed on the lake’s abundant algae, which thrive in the saline waters.
• Alkaline Tilapia (Alcolapia spp.): Several species of alkaline tilapia have adapted to survive in the lake’s hot springs and less saline areas. They have unique physiological adaptations to tolerate the high pH and temperature.
• Algae and Microorganisms: The lake is rich in cyanobacteria, a type of blue-green algae that provides food for the flamingos. Other microorganisms, including haloarchaea, contribute to the lake’s distinctive red color.
• Other Birds: Besides flamingos, Lake Natron attracts other bird species, such as storks, avocets, and stilts, which are less affected by the lake’s alkalinity.

Does Lake Natron Turn Animals to Stone?

No, Lake Natron does not literally turn animals to stone. The high salt and mineral content of the water can preserve the bodies of deceased animals that fall into the lake. The minerals in the water, particularly sodium carbonate, can calcify the carcasses, creating a stone-like appearance. This process is similar to how mummies are preserved.

However, the animals do not die simply by touching the water. The lake’s harsh conditions are hostile to many species, and those not adapted to it can experience skin and eye irritation. Some animals may die due to dehydration or other causes and end up in the lake.

The photographer Nick Brandt captured striking images of calcified animals on the shores of Lake Natron, which contributed to the myth that the lake turns animals to stone.^(ref) These images were taken of animals that had already died and been preserved by the lake’s unique conditions.