Wandering hippo shot dead
by
2008-07-15 12:12
Durban - KwaZulu-Natal's wandering hippo Nonkululeko was shot dead on Tuesday morning in Durban, Animal Rights Africa said.
Spokesperson Steve Smit said the animal was shot in Riyadh near Verulam at 03:00, apparently by members of he eThekwini Natural Resources department with the assistance of wildlife officials. Smit told Sapa three shots had been fired.
"We are very sad it ended this way. We believe this tragedy could have been avoided if wildlife officials acted more decisively to save the animal."
He said the animal could have been prevented from leaving the area it was initially spotted in.
"Unfortunately very little conservation value is given to a hippo," said Smith.
The hippo was suspected of killing a Verulam man at the weekend but this had not been confirmed yet. Police earlier said the 60-year-old victim, Ben Dlamini, was found with one wound to the head and facial injuries.