PIC: Hippo and car collide in KZN on New Year's Day

PIC: Hippo and car collide in KZN on New Year’s Day

A tragic incident unfolded in iSimangaliso Wetland Park on New Year’s Day when a hippo was struck by a vehicle.

An investigation has been launched to try and establish a possible cause of the accident. Image: Wikimedia.

The collision with the hippo happened at around 6:30 on Wednesday, in the Park’s Eastern Shores section. The car was driving between Bhangazi Gate in St Lucia and Cape Vidal, writes the Zululand Observer.

Unfortunately, the hippo came away with life-threatening injuries.

“The hippo sustained severe injuries and upon assessment by an experienced conservation manager, the decision was taken to put it down,” said iSimangaliso spokesperson Bheki Manzini.

“An investigation will be conducted to establish a possible cause of the accident. The reserve has clear signage of vehicle speed restrictions within the Park.”

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is known for its biodiversity and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including hippos, which are frequently seen in the area.

This incident has reignited discussions about balancing tourism with wildlife conservation.

A photo of the damaged car was posted alongside the report on Twitter (X):

Kruger National Park ranger bitten by hippo

In related news, SANParks confirmed that a Kruger National Park field ranger was bitten on the lower leg by a hippo in the Sabie Gorge in September 2024. Read more on that story here.

In another human-hippo encounter, a hippopotamus attack was reported close to the Paul Kruger Gate of the Kruger National Park in June 2024.

The incident involved a team from the Biodiversity Social Project. The entity falls under the Working for Water Programme, based at the Kruger Park.

The team were clearing alien plants along the Sabie River. This was when the animal charged at them in the thick bush close to the riverbank.

The group was accompanied by two-armed field guards who fired shots at the animal. Three individuals were injured, while the hippo fled back to the river.