A RISK-taker was given a not-so-subtle warning after venturing too close to snap a photograph of Richards Bay’s resident hippo alongside the John Ross highway earlier today (Monday).
The hippo was seen by motorists in its ‘usual’ spot adjacent to the canal, near the canal robots at around lunchtime.
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One person ventured to within a few metres of the animal and, after staring him down for a few seconds, the hippo charged the man, who ran towards the road.
While this was quite possibly a mock charge, as the hippo gave up quickly, it was indeed a warning to which all who attempt to take close-up photos of these animals must take note.
Hippo males weigh up to 1 500kg (females 1 300kg) and can run up to speeds of 30km/h over short distances.
As with all wild animals, hippos do not seek to attack people, but become defensive and hostile when threatened, and people venturing too close are perceived threats to these mammals.
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