Durban - HIPPOS are not an unusual sight in St Lucia, but residents are now complaining that the animals are wandering around the town in daylight hours, scaring people.
The mammals are often seen on the roads in the town, which neighbours the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and sometimes inside people’s properties.
Businessperson Phiwe Zungu said residents were used to hippos being close by. While they previously walked around at night, now they were moving around during the day and affecting their business. “The hippos have always been part of the community, but lately they have shown aggressive behaviour and they are scaring us.”
Zungu, who sells crafts, fruit and vegetables, said that in the past they kept their stock outside so that customers could see what they had. However, she had stopped sitting outside and selling her goods after a hippo charged her when her phone rang and she stood up to answer it. She said the hippo possibly felt challenged and started running towards her.
“The day I was almost attacked by the hippo I realised that they are really dangerous and it was not so long after that one of the hippos attacked and killed a man from the nearby community. It is not comfortable here any more. We have sat down with the Wetlands authorities and they said they will do something about these animals, but nothing has been done.”
iSimangaliso spokesperson Debbie Cooper said people should remember that St Lucia is entirely surrounded by the Wetland Park World Heritage Site and wildlife was therefore common in town. “This is one of the reasons for its immense popularity as an international tourist destination. Hippos have always frequented the public areas of the town and there is nothing new or unusual in their behaviour. Although they are generally nocturnal, occasionally they choose to visit us during the day as well.”
Cooper said to stay well clear of hippos and other wild animals, and to contact the iSimangaliso emergency line at 082 797 7944, or Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife acting park manager (iSimangaliso) Clement Ngcobo (072 884 0842/082 953 5530).