FOURWAYS HIPPO DIES

The elusive ‘Fourways Hippo’, which had been seen wandering north of Fourways since December last year, has died.

The nicknamed ‘Fourways Hippo’ had been ‘on the run’ for a few months in the area.

Hippos are capable of running 30 km/h over short distances, despite their stocky shape and short legs.

In 1928, South Africa’s Huberta the Hippo rose to fame by traveling from the St. Lucia Estuary to the Eastern Cape – a good 1600km.

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It’s a hippo unlike any other. Having made headlines and creating a stir on social media late in 2020, rumors abounded as to where the ‘Fourways Hippo’ had gone from returning to Hartbeespoort Dam to falling prey to vicious Twitter speculation.

The famous hippo was again spotted at Steyn City last week moving along the river and entering the parkland residence. As soon as the Steyn City Management Association (SCMA) learned of the sighting, it began tracking the hippo’s movements along the Jukskei River and into its dams with cameras and infrared drones.

The hippo later moved on to Steyn City’s golf course, in close proximity to the residents’ homes. With the safety of both the animal and residents in mind, the SCMA contacted the relevant nature conservation authority to seek consent for its relocation. Over the past weekend, after obtaining the necessary permits, the hippo was darted and captured under the supervision of trained veterinarians and representatives from nature conservation authorities.

However, the veterinarians responsible for the relocation of the hippo later advised that the hippo sadly died while in transit as a result of breathing complications.

‘Fourways Hippo’ was seen again along the river down Sevenoaks in March 2021. Twitter: Posted by Yusuf Abramjee

The unfortunate death was a devastating blow to our team on the ground, as well as the specialised task team who had done everything possible to protect this hippo. After a long and strenuous day, we had hoped for a good outcome and a happy ending.

// Head of the SCMA, Richard Mitchell

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