HIPPO ON THE LOOSE IN FOURWAYS

A hippo has been spotted in the Johannesburg suburb of Fourways. This is according to a stement released by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture.

According to News24, the hippo was first sighted on 29 December 2020 when a resident reported the sighting near the Jukskei River. It is believed that the hippo came from the Hartbeespoort Dam area.

While hippos are herbivores, they remain wild animals and the public has been warned not to approach or try to feed it.

The Department told News24 “to date, the hippo has not caused any damage nor posed a threat to any human or animal lives. It is believed that the hippo originates from the Hartbeespoort Dam area and that, if left in peace, will return voluntarily to the area of origin”.

The general public as well as stakeholders in the area have been notified and asked to report any sighting of the hippo. If the hippo doesn’t return to its natural habitat by itself, the Department will consider a live capture.

Image credit: EWN