Wandering hippo 'stressed out'

2008-07-10 12:24

Durban - KwaZulu-Natal wildlife authorities on Thursday urged North Coast residents to stay clear of a wandering hippo as they were "stressing it out".

The hippo was "stressed out" because people had been flocking to see it up close, said Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife spokesperson Maureen Zimu.

"We are not going to disclose its location right now, but it's on the North Coast... People don't realise that this animal is dangerous and they are getting too close to it."

Authorities were expected to meet on Thursday afternoon to discuss ways of moving the wandering hippo to a safe location.

Earlier in June the wandering herbivore was spotted frolicking on the Ballito shores and eating from gardens in Tinely Manor and Christmas Bay.

It had not yet been moved because it was in a location where there was lots of food for it.

"This makes it impossible for our trappers to catch it...If it was in a place where there was no food, they would be able to trap it by luring it with food," said Zimu.

Wildlife officials warned people and tourists to stay away from the animal as it could charge at them at any time.

- SAPA