Permits to relocate two hippos, a mother and her calf, could take up to two months to approve.

According to Kempton Express, the two hippos have taken up residence on a farm in Hartebeestfontein along the R25, near Kempton Park.

The animals were first spotted in April and have since made one of the farm’s ponds their temporary home.

“While the dense vegetation following recent rains has kept the hippos out of sight, clear footprints confirm their continued presence.

“Experts believe the pair migrated through the nearby wetland and river system before settling in the pond,” says Ekurhuleni Water Care Company (ERWAT) communications manager Wanda Annandale.

She adds that given the territorial and potentially aggressive nature of hippos, especially mothers protecting their young, ERWAT’s environmental division took swift action.

“They contacted the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, whose nature and conservation division visited the site and provided ERWAT with the required documentation to apply for capture and relocation permits,” says Annandale.

“Securing these permits is a complex process and is expected to take up to two months. ERWAT is working closely with a registered wildlife services provider experienced in the safe and humane capture and relocation of large wild animals such as hippos.”

In the meantime, ERWAT urges local residents and visitors to exercise caution and avoid the area, particularly after dark when hippos are most active and pose a greater risk.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.