Goodbye, Nkululeko: News24: MyNews24: Letters

Anon 7/17/2008 2:09:33 PM

Imagine if it was your Father or family member that the hippo may have killed? I'm sure you would have a different take to the story! Think of the family that has been struck by the tragedy of loosing a loved one!

general 7/17/2008 2:11:24 PM

Yeah this is sad story but I blame wild life and municipal officials for his/her death. The hippo was spotted about two or three weeks ago and should have captured it there and then. Now it has killed someone. Animal rites group say it was bad move and I say it a rite one. I wish we cud do the same to the criminals who kill innocent people everyday,kill and be killed. 100%Xhosa.

Johno 7/17/2008 2:14:40 PM

It's not as if killing the hippo will bring your father or loved one back. And it's not as if the hipo would understand the correlation. Or maybe you think this will serve as a warning to all the other hippos not to eat humans? Your reasoning makes no sense whatsoever.

morena 7/17/2008 2:14:52 PM

Nonkululeko found happiness in the ocean, never had Nonkuleko seen such vast amount of water in her life, it was a swimming and cooling pool made in heaven, sadly the devil came with his fire spitting folk and ended the once happy, amazing dream,

Badger 7/17/2008 2:15:09 PM

...it's Mankind, Top of the Food Chain. After we have wiped out every species on the planet, we are going to wipe each other out. Watch This Space and Mark My Words.

Frankman 7/17/2008 2:20:09 PM

i agree that the animal should have been killed, before it could harm more people. The value of life of a human, is much more that that of a animal.My thoughts are with the family who lost a loved one, and i for one would also have done the same to kill the hippo. the hippo was threat to society and perhaps could have killed more people if it was not killed.

charlie 7/17/2008 2:23:24 PM

I have to agree that its sad that she killed somone , but the Wildlife ass should have know that a Hippo is dangerous and should have reloacted her the firt time she was spotted..

Justine 7/17/2008 2:23:36 PM

I would gladly have cheered Nkululeko on if she decided to chomp on a few people. There are far more humans than hippos, and humans have caused FAR more destruction than any hippo could ever dream of doing. As Ghandi said, you can judge a country by the way it treats its animals, and clearly the authorities (and people like yourself) couldnt be bothered, not that the government are even remotely enthusiastic about helping their own, not too mention a poor hippo.

DW 7/17/2008 2:26:01 PM

I love game reserves and wildlife, both on land and in the sea. However this does not detract from the fact that, had the hippo been left, he would have killed more humans.They have tried to capture him before but he just hides in dense bush.The costs are exhorbitant.I agree with Cameron though.I have seen how a hippo shot in Binga, Zimbabwe in similar circumstances was used to feed the hungry local people (about 2 years ago).The waste of good meat is sacrilege.

Pal 7/17/2008 2:26:04 PM

Having grown up looking after my grandfather's cattle and goats, I was taught that no animal....wild or domesticated would never fight unless it feels provoked/threatened. It does not mean it will do it again when it sees a human, unless again it's provoked. Make a simple observation....how does a hen react when you grab its chick? Anyway, I believe the animal could've been sedated and relocated to the KNP or any place of safety where it would continue being a wild animal

carina kennard 7/17/2008 2:27:30 PM

they are not called "seekoei" in Afrikaans for nothing-they used to move from the rivers to the sea and back till man interfered.we have colonized all their grazing areas and hippos are under threat from starvation.their lives have become worthless and reflects the attitude of society at large and not only towards animals..shame on us for killing her and even suggesting that she should be eaten is highly unethical to say the least...

Vuyo 7/17/2008 2:33:18 PM

very interesting article Cameron, the disturbing factor about this topic is that a human paid the ultimate prize for the way the whole situation was handled by the authorities. I could not believe my ears when some animal rights group were up in arms when the animal was killed after it had taken away a human life, I wonder if the response would have been the same had the victim been a white person. It is really sad how different a human is percieved in this country.

carina 7/17/2008 2:35:21 PM

she was condemned to death and it was not even proven yet that she was in fact guilty... some very arrogant and barbaric commends here...justine i could not agree with you more...

terence 7/17/2008 2:35:43 PM

authorities warned everyone to stay clear of the hippo yet stupid people want to get close and personal to the creature. Till this day there has been no confirmation that this hippo killed anyone and persnonnaly i dont think the hippo did kill. The preson killed in the hippo was probably killed by a violent blow from a panga by a illegal immigrant or fellow south african. Therefore i feel nothing for the man that was killed by whoever or whatever. Even if the hippo did kill ppl should no better

The Truth 7/17/2008 2:36:02 PM

followed this animal for 3 months during which they could have captured and released him back into St Lucia or another suitable habitat.Why wait for the animal to enter a populated area and become a danger? Perhaps just so that they could have an excuse to shoot him,thereby saving themselves the time & money required for capture and transport? What a bunch of heartless,trigger happy fools! Do they call this conservation?

Suzi-B 7/17/2008 2:40:07 PM

You can judge a nation by the way they treat their animals, and I'm ashamed. So much could have been done. There are a number of charities/ individuals that would have assisted financially in having this beautiful animal re-located to ensure the safety of both hippo and human. It was a cute story about a cute hippo, people even named her. All were complacent to start off with until it became a "problem", I'll note ALLEGEDLY! Cameron, are you living in the dark ages, have you heard of spell check?

Cina 7/17/2008 2:41:01 PM

It is a shame that she was killed, and it is not yet a known fact that it is Nkululeko that killed the genlemen. They could at least have waited for the results of the post mortum of the gentlement.

Kolobe 7/17/2008 2:41:14 PM

Any animal that kills a person should immediately be shot. Period, we are not going to value the lives of animals more than human beings

morena 7/17/2008 2:41:50 PM

please use your brain, the problem was not that the hippo was going or might kill more humans the proble is with the wildlife for relocating the animal the first time it was spotted, basically the wild life morons where just waiting for the hippo to kill someone before getting up on a$$e$ just like the new NEC

Badger 7/17/2008 2:41:58 PM

..That the Hippo killed anyone. That man had a "GASH" in his head.."ONE GASH" !!! If a hippo attacks, it does a lot more damage. One Gash.... Ummm....Machete / Panga / Steel Pipe, just wondering !!!

Tank 7/17/2008 2:42:27 PM

Maybe it is just SA doesn't value any life at all, regardless if it is an animal or a human. You don't care about your fellow humans so why should you care about an animal?

the prophet 7/17/2008 2:44:54 PM

if Nkululeko chomped on you father, mother or brother? would you have cheered....? what you are saying is stupid.

Viparo 7/17/2008 2:46:37 PM

I really really do. But unfortunately this was the only way out. When you dart/sedate a hippo, they run straight into the water, and drown. They couldn't lure it with food either, as there was an abundance in the area. It's a sad outcome, but unfortunately, the only outcome. Authorities should be blamed for allowing her to escape, it's their fault. But to recommend that she should have been eaten? That's incredibly savage.

Badger 7/17/2008 2:47:37 PM

..."..WE VALUE THE LIVES OF PEOPLE..." what by set them on fire when he is on his knees begging for mercy. You don't value shit PERIOD !!!!!

mandoza 7/17/2008 2:48:08 PM

human life is not more important than the life of an animal. Please explain how you came to that conclusion????? humans are animals we just like to call ourselves humans but were no more special than my pavement special at home. If i see a stranger drowing in my swimming pool and my dog also drowning you better believe i will save my dog first...

Greg 7/17/2008 2:48:37 PM

sad story all around, am not gonna argue this one. anyway, did anyone see the hippy conservationist on tv news discuss the hippo? i was fine with him until he said something to the effect that the hippo must have been threatened or something because it would not just attack. pffff, does this guy know anything about hippos? now i feel for the hippo because if this guy was my last line of defence against being shot i would be really really depressed.

Kane 7/17/2008 2:52:21 PM

Animal life is just as important as human life, people are just too ignorant to see it.You think animals don't have feelings because they can't communicate in your language? Take a look at the way animals care for their young.They're not just some underdog species.Watch mankind abuse his IQ to take over a world that was originally run by animals,it's sick.Corden off the area and tranqualize.Animal life over the majority of human scum on this planet anyday

Ann 7/17/2008 2:52:28 PM

This magnificent animal should have been darted and transported back to where it came from! My hope would have been that the herd wouldn't have ostracised it.

Shaun 7/17/2008 2:52:44 PM

Even if it was captured and taken back to St Lucia it would more than likely be back in Verulam in a month or two. Shooting it was the right decision. It is a pity about the meat and skin though. It is the middle of our hunting season now with loads of foreigners with loads of dollars hunting in our country. A quick call or five could have brought in some much needed cash to conservation had a hunter shot this animal instead of some wildlife official.

tokka 7/17/2008 2:53:27 PM

killer of all animals in Africa. Very terretorial. Hippo an accident waiting to happen - should have been dealt with (i.e. moved) long time ago.

carina kennard 7/17/2008 2:53:50 PM

yes my fellow human being and precisely that attitude is the cause of a lot of suffering of human kind and we will continue to suffer till we awaken to the truth...

terence 7/17/2008 2:54:03 PM

the wild animals is Africa dont you get it??? without the animals you as an african is nothing, you are nothing without the animals. and we should value the animals more than the lives of human being i do. Human beings should know better and stay away from wild animals. No one can blame this Hippo for killing. And like i said i dont believe this Hippo did kill.

Blikkers 7/17/2008 2:54:10 PM

These animals are very dangerous- Tey might look cute but they kill plenty of people- If they step into a human habited invironment they should be shot and fed to the crocks- Its just the way it should be

morena 7/17/2008 2:54:28 PM

its clear now that animal means nothing to the Ethekwini Municipality, first it was zulus killing people then snake park now its the hippo, who is next, this zulu can't seem to think constructively.

Nikki Botha 7/17/2008 2:55:37 PM

Hippos kill more than any nother animal in Africa.... EXCEPT mankind. I don't see anyone taking out "criminal" elements in our society. If only they would! Why is it that we could not afford some safety for this animal? Why is it that innocent until proven guilty does not apply to a beautiful, majestic animal like this hippo? Why is it that we would rather promote killing than conservation? There WERE offers of help from the public to relocate this hippo. Mankind. Feh.

Kolobe 7/17/2008 2:56:33 PM

We are not even going that probe or waste time and money investigating that the hippo indeed killed the man, the fact that it is in the wrong place and the time clearly deserve to be shot, what is the hippo doing in the sea? animals don?t have rights and upon suspicion of wrong doing that serves as a motive to shoot it down.

morena 7/17/2008 2:57:54 PM

kolobe you have no heart, clearly your parents never bought you animal pets to take care and be responsible for them, you can learn a lot from animals i know it because i have a cat and it had kittens i ended up with 11 cats and i loved all of them, kolobe means a Pig, not sure which pig you are the real pig or just a pig

Sies man 7/17/2008 2:59:18 PM

If they had done their job and gotten off their fat arses, Nkululeko and the guy would both still have been alive today. But no, lets wait till he kills someone, then we'll have an excuse to shoot it. Our responsibility as humans is not to judge animals, but rather to look after and protect them. FFS man, tranquilize and move them in future, it's not THAT hard. And ppl who believe wild animals should be punished for harming humans are just plain arrogant. It's nature, we're part of it. -

mandy 7/17/2008 3:00:35 PM

First of all - Viparo are youa wildlife vet? I doubt it. They could have translocated the hippo. 2ndly, eatcing the meat would not be barbaric, its done throughout africa where people can't just pop into woolies for lamb cutlets. This was a sad tradgey for all involved. but please don't forget that we humans are destroying the earth and each other. hippos and other wildlife should be left alone.

Viparo 7/17/2008 3:01:54 PM

First Vuyo,"It is really sad how different a human is percieved in this country." No, it is really sad how different an animal is perceived by different cultures in this country.I hate to burst your little bubble, but white people would have felt the same if it was a white person that was killed. Amazing how you can turn this into a racial thing eh? Shame. Doesn't surprise me at all thou. It seems that's all you've got. Kolobe, your comment speaks bucket loads about your short-sightedness.

Win 7/17/2008 3:04:06 PM

I'm with you on this one. To the Prophet, I'm an animal fanatic and done voluntary work for the SPCA, I stick my money where my mouth is. And besides, my family ain't that stupid to play chicken with a hippo!! The way people treat animals in this country shows testament that this country is still in the f*&^ing dark ages when it comes to loving animals except of course a few radicals whom love animals as much as I do.

frankman 7/17/2008 3:04:46 PM

Whatever..that is your take on the matter. If that stranger is your son in another man's pool and he saves his dog...what then?

Jakes 7/17/2008 3:05:54 PM

Frankman - I agree 100% to your statement made that the hippo should have been "captured" before anything tragic could happen and my thoughts go out to the family who have lost a loved one. Why do we kill animals who pose a threat to society without blinking an eye but show mercy to all the other animals out there who intentionally go out to murder / rape and hijack innocent victims (don't they also pose a threat to society)Is it just me or does the death penalty only count for innocent animals?

Ederik 7/17/2008 3:08:05 PM

This poor Hippo, whose land we took over, were driven out of his living space and because he/she accidentally killed a person (no proof that he/she did in fact kill someone) is shot. Why not shoot all the other "animals" that call themselves people and murder and rape babies, old people etc.????????? Mind you, they are not animals, because animals do not do things like that. Why must we feed and look after these "animals" if they are ever caught for years to come.

Kal-El 7/17/2008 3:09:32 PM

If you could be handed a few thousand years of evolution, you might think differently. For now, go back to your cave and discover fire in your spare time. To add to the comment of Mandoza: If Kolobe was busy drowning in my pool and my dog was safely on the side, I would still save my dog.

Viparo 7/17/2008 3:09:40 PM

No, I am not a wildlife vet, thank God. But I do have a very good friend that is. You contradict yourself however, starting out by insulting me, then there's the middle part where you state that it wouldn't be barbaric to "eatcing" the meat. You end off with hippos and other wildlife should be left alone. So what's your point hmmmmmmm?

Gg 7/17/2008 3:12:14 PM

A disgrace to kill the hippo, it seems that if we can't find a solution - Death the solution. Where where the brain dead SPCa on this matter, to busy killing dogs and cats to worry about Hippos. A shame, a disgrace, The prople that did the killing.... your time will come......

Gg 7/17/2008 3:12:16 PM

A disgrace to kill the hippo, it seems that if we can't find a solution - Death the solution. Where where the brain dead SPCa on this matter, to busy killing dogs and cats to worry about Hippos. A shame, a disgrace, The prople that did the killing.... your time will come......

LJ 7/17/2008 3:14:25 PM

Its sad when south african's can't see a wonderful story in the making (Huberta the Hippo?). Imagine the GOOD press for a change... hippo finds freedom. But no we don't understand it so we kill it. Firstly A man killed by a Hippo is mauled and barely recognisable - not found with 1 gash on the head. Secondly - a hippo capture is tricky but very easy - they can be lured easily into a boma and then darted. As usuals the easy, cheap way was chosen . All life is precious and should not be wasted.

Deedee 7/17/2008 3:21:44 PM

Shaun, you suck bigtime. If there's anything I hate more than people who abuse poor animals, it's bloodthirsty idiots like u and all those other brainless twits who like to prove their manhood) by shooting some defenceless, beautiful wild animal, and then from moving vehicles. How I'd love to hunt some of you down in the same disgusting way. Hippos are not as plentiful as they used to be. All animals lover

Frankman 7/17/2008 3:22:53 PM

If my kid and i are walking on the street and a dog attacks him...i will hit that dog until it dies, note, not until he releases my son, but until he dies!!!

Richard 7/17/2008 3:23:29 PM

Yes Kolobe, how dare that hippo leave it's assigned area of living! The wild animals are taking more and more chances everyday! WAKE UP! Suspicion of wrong doing? Hmmm, I have a suspicion your dog bit my friend, I believe that's motive enough for me to shoot it, right?

Kolobe 7/17/2008 3:24:14 PM

how can u say animals don't have rights - what makes humans better than animals as far as i am concerned there are some humans worse than animals, but at this rate if we should kill every animal because it is in the wrong place at the wrong time the only place our great grand children will see these animals will be photos hanging on walls as there will be none left to admire in the bush.

The Truth 7/17/2008 3:25:13 PM

Do you believe in reincarnation friend? If so I hope that you return one day as a hippo (or any other animal) to be hunted.Modern hunters are a great example of the lowest form of human cowardice in my book.Why not go to a shooting gallery at the fair rather? You'll get the same kind of thrills I'm sure (with much less bloodletting).

dhv 7/17/2008 3:28:45 PM

I think Kolobe is making himself quite clear of the type of person he is. Kolobe, please carry on, you're only proving to everyone how foolish you really are and that no-one will take you seriously anymore.

Kolobe 7/17/2008 3:28:55 PM

To be honest with everyone, my rural home is situated next to a game farm,I have a gun and if any dangerous animal like a hippo,lion,tiger,leopard or snake appears I would make sure that it kicks the bucket right there, no need to be ashamed, I will shoot to kill. this animal deserves to die.

Ingrid 7/17/2008 3:29:48 PM

Kolobe you are an idiot! I think that poor man was more than likely murdered by another human animal, a hippo would have given him more than one chomp! There are just too many humans on the planet & they are destroying it bit by bit daily! Nkululeko should have been relocated weeks ago! - Ingrid

Justine 7/17/2008 3:34:55 PM

First off it hasnt been proven that this animal did infact kill anyone. And I would rather lose a loved one to a real animal than a human one, who would have raped, torutured and beaten them before killing them for a cellphone and some jewelry.

Iain 7/17/2008 3:35:09 PM

I blame you, you are a guest of the wildlife. The sooner we realize that, the better. Why dont we shoot humans who kill anymore? Whats good for the hippo is good for the humans.

Gwen 7/17/2008 3:35:41 PM

Oh no, this is so sad...I do not believe it was the right thing to do...killing an animal. The hippo should have been moved. This is terrible and shows just how lazy people are today to stand up and do something the correct way...

White_African 7/17/2008 3:36:15 PM

So the maths has been done. Hire hunter, spends days tracking the animal down, shoot bullets, transport huge animal to burial location, dig hole and bury animal, OR, call in conservation, track animal, dart animal, transport animal to safe reserve... Am I missing something here ???

Matrix 7/17/2008 3:36:23 PM

If and when animals kill, it is for a reason. Many humans dont need a reason for killing anyone / thing. They just do it. If it was not for animals what would we be eating? Kolobe, I would like to invite you to a scuba ("cage") dive without the cage, then see if you respect big "innocent" fish OR would you want to KILL IT ALSO? Even if it has done nothing wrong and you entering its domain. Save our planet. Save the animals & nature. We depend on nature for our survival. Dont kill it.

Confucious 7/17/2008 3:36:24 PM

I, and I am sure all of the other users of this column, would love to see Kolobe the pig alone in the wild and telling hippos, lions, elephants, etc. that he does not value their lives or that they do not have any rights....... Man, I can just hear those excuses and explanations.......

mxhosakazi 7/17/2008 3:37:52 PM

Lets be careful guys - the hippo eliminates, the hippo will get eliminated, period. Agree with you Kolobe!

rights 7/17/2008 3:38:19 PM

i need to apologise putting Kolobe's name in the wrong entry box. i was giving him double standars by doing that

Disgusted 7/17/2008 3:38:44 PM

I cant believe that the cops were to slack to investigate a murder vs a assumed hippo killing, people, and we must trust them to investigate real criminals.......makes one wonder, no wonder our country is so full of crime, and yes it affects everyone, that poor hippo has felt some freedom, without the humans interferring with its natural habitat, and then you get the scruppless idiots with no common sense and decides to shoot the poor hippo, all i can say shame on you,may God have mercy on you...

morena 7/17/2008 3:39:52 PM

you don't get what Justine is saying, maybe you should do a bit of english studya and little bit of drama to understand, it will do you a whole lot of good

Lide 7/17/2008 3:42:05 PM

I think killing the hippo was a good decision, considering ppl that might have been in danger. I would have done the same without even thinking twice about it. I do value animals, yes, but not more than human life- because to me human life is much more important. And pls wild animals kill evenif they are not being provoked that's why they belong in the wild- far and far away from the ppl. Lide

sdlala 7/17/2008 3:42:56 PM

Why is the Editor busy publishing Kolobe's nonsense comments?

morena 7/17/2008 3:46:27 PM

Hippos number killer of all "ANIMALS" in Africa, which animal channel are you watching ooh i get tokka you meant to say humans are no 1 animals killer in Africa not hippos, i realy hope that what you said if not i feel very sorry for your kids

Richard 7/17/2008 3:48:10 PM

I couldn't agree with you more Frankman, if people had seen this hippo attacking a person, shoot it in order to save a life. However, would you walk down your street today killing all the dogs because you never know if they might attack your son in the future? I think not.

morena 7/17/2008 3:49:58 PM

whos mom or dad are you, "hippos are no 1 killer of all animal in Africa you must be another Paris Hilton or Miss North Carolina hahaha you need help actualy education

rob 7/17/2008 3:50:06 PM

just by reading all these comments is it not funny how different some people are towards animals who by the way have done nothing to anyone execpt protect themselves in what used to be their natural habitat. i believe these are the people that do not have any compassion whether its animals or humans, in other words stuff you i am ok. i am all for the survival of the human race, but sometimes i wonder what for, not even animals carry on like some humans do + and then they ask who are the animals.

Zakhele 7/17/2008 3:52:12 PM

Yeah, i don't get how can ppl value animals life more than human life, Kolobe shoot to kill, if those resposible can't do their job properly, then will minimise the number of animals they need to look after, period

Matrix 7/17/2008 3:54:18 PM

It seems that almost all of our problems are somhow related back to so called human being. I often wonder how all people can be classified as human, when they perform absolutely horrific acts. Saying that these people have human rights and insulting animals by comparing these people to animals, is unfair. Maybe what would be more fair to nature would be if asian flu wiped out all the not so innocent humans.

kwk 7/17/2008 3:54:38 PM

We all agree capture and relocate is desirable,but unfortunately it takes longer to organise a capture.If human lives are endangered, the danger should be contained in the quickest manner possible. I love the wild side of Africa, I love animals and I particularly love hippos.But we can never weigh such sentiment against human life. The hippo should have been shot/captured before it killed a human being.

me 7/17/2008 3:55:32 PM

it has not been proven that hippo killed anyone, but I am guessing they are now going to pin most of the crime in KZN region on that hippo, it was nothing but a escape-potamus .... Sorry all you tree huggers the animal was out of control and the wildlife people did what they had to do, my grand pappy didn't fight to the top of the food chain so we could be such woossies, humans rule, no hippo ever built the cistene chapel or sent another hippo to the moon so we should't really morn the loss

cameron 7/17/2008 3:57:13 PM

Bud don't give to many clues to where you live hope everyone enjoyed the artical I enjoyed writing it

Skaapie 7/17/2008 3:57:18 PM

I've been reading various comments of late, spanning various different topics..Kolbe's modus operandi is quite obvious. He / She deliberately incites to provoke.. Don't indulge Kolbe by responding to his / her views - it's quite clear they wish to provoke reaction. I would save many an animal, over certain humans..

terence 7/17/2008 3:59:34 PM

you dont get tigers in africa hahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahah dunda head

rob 7/17/2008 4:00:31 PM

hippo kills human and some bright sparks say animals cannot kill humans + get away with it, well human kills human + they all get away with it so kolobe i claim this is the type you fit in with.

charlie 7/17/2008 4:03:22 PM

And he did , Welcome Kolobe ,

aMajuba 7/17/2008 4:04:37 PM

I am sure that the only consideration about shooting this animal was Njama ! Meat ! I don?t believe it was dumped in the tip with one shred of red meat on it, look in the municipal members fridge?s for the real reasons behind Nkululeko?s death .

Zakhele 7/17/2008 4:09:05 PM

Yeah, i don't get how can ppl value animals life more than human life, Kolobe shoot to kill, if those resposible can't do their job properly, then will minimise the number of animals they need to look after, period

Shaun 7/17/2008 4:22:25 PM

Deedee, The Truth. The only reason our country has large numbers of wildlife today (in fact more than we had a century ago) is because of paying hunters. This is easy to see if you look at the history of the black wildebeest and bontebok in particular. No hunters, no profitable game farms. Every farmer will just in a once off slaughter shoot all the wildlife competing with his cattle and crops.

Paul 7/17/2008 4:30:20 PM

Come on people...get real!!! How does one catch such a big animal in very dense bush! You can't chase it on foot in the bush & cannot chase it with a vehicle as you'll come off second best. If one darts it, it will run into the water & die. They had no other option, but to kill the poor animal. Sometimes the right choice isn't the most popular one, but reality rules...thank goodness!

L Savage 7/17/2008 4:33:54 PM

It is unfortunate that many animal "lovers" are misguided. Dealing with animals is a responsibility that has to be taken seriously. Owning 11 cats for example (unless you live on a farm) is not animal love. It is selfish animal abuse and grossly irresponsible. What happened with Nkululeko was a tragedy, but the most prudent course of action is to put down an animal that has killed before - not to punish it, but because it is in its nature to kill - and it will (likely) kill again. Yes it is sad, but taking responsibility sometimes means making the tough call..

Lloyd Macklin 7/17/2008 4:41:46 PM

must please stand up. I cannot get my head around the thought that there might be two of them.

Pangea 7/17/2008 4:43:42 PM

I find it interesting that everybody is talking about the value of human life. This is South Africa, life is not valued and never will be.

L Savage 7/17/2008 4:48:29 PM

Oh come on people - use some common sense here please. Hippo meat is perfectly edible. Throwing it away is a waste of a resource, and irresponsible in a country where food is not a given for many. I would have to argue that consuming the meat of an animal that is already dead is a lot less savage than killing an animal for food in the first place. It is ironic how people have double standards, claiming to care about conservation and animal rights etc, but then condemning a suggestion which serves to help conservation.

Blikkies 7/17/2008 5:08:43 PM

DeeDee...a hippo is far from defenceless. These creatures will chop you in an instant, crush u or any child/ human andything that irritates them, and it does not take much to do that. You need to grow up a bit, these things kill people whithout provocation- They need to die when they encroach on human habitat otherwise people will die

Shan 7/17/2008 5:24:31 PM

Vuyo, do you have the race card permanantly poised in your hand to use at any given opportunity. The hippo would not have attached unless provokes. White, black, pint or orange - I do not belive that that hippos should have been shot. Especially if there were other alternatives. Woudl happily have paid into a fund to move her to another place!! Justine has it on the nail - if we treat animals this way, how will we treat our fellow human beings (white,black, pink or orange - for vuyio

Sardonicus 7/17/2008 5:30:21 PM

Agreed, too many humans on earth, many of them killers who have killed more than the hippo in question, and these scum are allowed to live. Man can think and reason, animals can't and act out of instinct. So who deserves to live then?

Frank II 7/17/2008 6:16:00 PM

What year is this? 1808 or 2008? Killing this poor animal was insensitive and unnecessary. South Africa has a proud track record of relocating animals and our game reserves are the best in the world. Could the 'authorities' not wait before killing it? The public would have been keen to contribute money to relocate it! Are we so primitive and backward to just kill it outright? Is this how we care about nature? What example did we set for our children? We should feel ashamed.

Frank II 7/17/2008 6:28:29 PM

The 'authorities' would sit on their hands and wait until a situation becomes a crises or someone gets killed and then they react in the most irrational and insensitive manner. You should see what humans are doing to the animals in Zimbabwe. Traps and snares litter the countryside! Animals are seen walking around with wire around their legs, flesh torn, etc. These are the lucky ones. The unlucky ones die of thirst and hunger. Humans make me sick.

Tony 7/17/2008 6:29:27 PM

OK, all bunny- & hippo-huggers pay attention. You cannot move hippos. If you dart them, they run into the water. Then they fall asleep in said water. Then they drown. Experts know this. Experts should have shot it long ago, but hippo-huggers had a fit, which resulted in 1 death. Nature is not cuddly and cute. You just cannot have hippos mixing it up with humans without something going wrong. You also cannot move hippos, so that leaves one solution...

Julia 7/17/2008 6:30:08 PM

Ahem! Excuse me, but could somebody please enlighten me .... who are the animals her???

Eden 7/17/2008 6:36:00 PM

I am sure that we can all agree that SA is doing well just to have so many people agree that first choice would have been not to kill the animal. I think that SA is actually doing well in the animal help and rights fields, we get stronger every year. What we need is an international animal and enviromental court and having it right here in SA would be good.

Frank II 7/17/2008 6:36:50 PM

We should demand the resignation of the official who made the decision to just kill her. Can't we organize a march to show our disgust in their handling of the situation!

Eden 7/17/2008 6:47:09 PM

I am amazed to read the utter stupidity of those who think they are better than animals. Classic morons. Just because they cannot speak or smile these anal retards think animals are just a cardboard cut out. Wrong!! Animals are peopel too and that is a truth an honest person would never deny. Humans are mass murderers, serial killers, people insist on denying it because they want to protect their socially accepted wicked evil ways. Sickos!!!! At least be honest.