While hippos are a fairly common sight in Richards Bay, St Lucia, and the surrounding areas, spotting one in Cape Town is unusual.
However, yesterday morning, residents of Grassy Park in Cape Town were delighted to witness a hippo that had broken out of the Rondevlei Nature Reserve. It seemed that this herbivore was particularly drawn to the name “Grassy Park”!
The hippo managed to wander around Italian Road after breaking through the fence of the nature reserve.
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Numerous posts on social media documented the incident, and the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s wildlife department, along with other concerned parties, promptly responded to the situation.
Together, they worked to investigate the matter and successfully herded the hippo back into the reserve, located on Perth Road.
As a temporary measure, the fence was secured until repairs can be undertaken to prevent any future escape attempts. The residents who had the unexpected opportunity to spot the hippo were understandably surprised by the sight.
Last night in Grassy Park a young male Hippo from Rondevlei Nature Reserve went for a walk about! @CityofCT nature reserve rangers quickly guided him back into the reserve.
This dispersing male will be relocated to another nature reserve. 🦛 pic.twitter.com/1yxBYCKXgG
— alexlansdowne (@alexlansdowne) April 13, 2024
