A young male hippo escaped Rietvlei Nature Reserve in Irene, Tshwane after a part of the perimeter fence was stolen – before it collided with a car on the M57, on 3 April.
The collision occurred near Nellmapius Drive along the M57. Metro and conservation officials removed the hippo carcass.
‘The young male was run off from the breeding herd by a dominant male and subsequently gained access to the resort area of the reserve through the dam,’ said city spokesperson, Sipho Stuurman.
‘During the investigation, nature conservation officials found that the hippo exited the chalet area and came up to the main fence where some ClearVu fencing panels on the western side of the resort area were stolen by vandals,’ Stuurman said.
The hippo was believed to have discovered the opening before making its way to the M57 through a large open veld, where it collided with the vehicle.
Pictures: Rays Assist
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