A young hippo of around four years old and weighing in the region of 800 kg has relocated from the Rondevlei Nature Reserve to the Cape Flats Waste Water Works in Zandvlei.

Penny Glansville, manager of the Rondevlei Nature Reserve said, “ when young male hippos become sexually mature, they threaten their fathers.  The younger male will then look for a new territory.  There are signs that he (the hippo) was attacked by his father.”

Glanville has indicated that the hippo is at present safe and happy.  He has not been given a name as he has not as yet shown particular personality traits.

The hippo relocated when about 20 meters of fencing was stolen from the southern part of the Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve a few weeks ago.

Staff members have been monitoring the young bull’s behaviour and position for the past number of days. 

On Tuesday Glanville with three UK volunteers and a team of four staff began building a gate with a one-way funnel as a means to encouraging the youngster back into the Rondevlei Nature Reserve.  The funnel is 5 meters at the mouth and 1.8 meters at the gate.

If they are unable to coax him back to Rondevlei  conservationists may be required to dart him and transport him to the Nature Reserve.

The hippo is not in an area frequented by people.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Write comment

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

smaller | bigger

Subscribe via email (registered users only)

I have read and agree to the Terms of Usage.

Add Comment