iSimangaliso Wetland Park authority says visitors must adhere to warning signs
The park authority said the woman had ventured into unprotected nearby wetland
ISIMANGALISO Wetland Park has clarified the circumstances surrounding last week’s incident in which a woman was trampled by a hippo.
The park authority said the woman had ventured into ‘unprotected nearby wetland which has clear signage of dangerous wildlife habitat such as crocodiles and hippos’.
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The woman was trampled by a hippo on Wednesday evening when she was with her daughter and her daughter’s boyfriend.
iSimangaliso noted the three were guests at a lodge in St Lucia and had allegedly attempted to swim in lake St Lucia when the 50-year-old woman was trampled at sunset by a hippo that had been grazing in the bush.
“iSimangaliso has proper clear signage in the park, warning visitors of possible dangers to ensure such incidents are avoided,” said iSimangaliso spokesperson Bheki Manzini.
“iSimangaliso again cautions visitors to always keep a safe distance and not threaten the wildlife by coming too close as this may lead to such incidents.
The park sympathised with the injured woman’s family and friends.
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