KZN wildlife issues warning after two drown reaching hippo carcass

Wildlife authorities in KwaZulu-Natal have warned communities not to risk their lives to get access to animal carcasses. Two people drowned in the Monzi area after community members tried to reach a carcass of a hippo which was found ensnared in the Umfolozi river.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife says they were alerted to the incident of the ensnared hippo on Friday.

Ezemvelo spokesperson Musa Mntambo says they decided to call a veterinarian to euthanise the animal as it couldn’t be saved.

“After the animal was destroyed, Ezemvelo removed certain body parts, including the head and legs, in accordance with its standing internal standard procedures for carcass management. Due to the conditions, removal of the carcass was not possible and it remained in the river while options were being assessed. During this time, members of the local community attempted to access the carcass to cut it for meat. Tragically, two individuals drowned, one, while attempting to reach the carcass and another while searching for the body of the individual who had drowned earlier. ”