The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development have confirmed that the hippopotamus that was seen roaming Chartwell had moved back to its original habitat.
This confirmation comes following numerous rumours on social media that the hippo had been killed. Spokesperson for the department Nozipho Hlabangana said this information was false and that the hippo was alive. Hlabangana added that they did not know the origin of the social media rumour or videos that had circulated, but confirmed that the hippopotamus had been tracked and spotted in its original habitat in Hartbeespoort.
Hlabangana said the tracking and monitoring of the hippo was done in collaboration with Endangered Wildlife Trust. In a statement released by the trust they said, “As a registered Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems [drone] operator, the EWT is in a unique position to offer aerial imagery services using [drones], so that the authorities are better able to monitor the movements and safety of the hippo.
“The hippo is suspected of having moved up the river system from the Hartbeespoort Dam area and when water levels are high enough, it is not uncommon for hippos to cover great distances in their pursuit of food. This particular hippo was sighted in the Chartwell area several times in December, and seen after that moving back towards the Lanseria and Hartbeespoort area.”
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The trust urged residents to report sightings of the hippo to the department’s Erasmus Nkabinde on 071 257 7481 or the trust’s senior manager Constant Hoogstad on 082 334 4176.
Details: Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 011 240 2500.
