Lake Natron: Tanzania's Blood-Red Lake Turns Animals to Stone

• Lake Natron in Tanzania is infamous for its blood-red color and extreme chemistry, capable of petrifying living creatures.
• Formed 1.5 million years ago by tectonic and volcanic activity, its minerals contribute to its unique composition.
• The lake's striking red hue is due to salt-loving microorganisms like haloarchaea and cyanobacteria thriving in alkaline conditions.
• With a pH of around 10.5, the water is highly caustic, burning skin and eyes, and dehydrating animals.
• Despite its deadly nature, Lake Natron serves as a sanctuary for lesser flamingos, who breed there due to the absence of predators.