Members of the public are urged to be vigilant following the eight hippopotamus going missing in the Fezile Dabi District of the northern Free State.

Authorities in the province that are battling to try and capture these hippos, say they could pose a danger to residents.

It is said the hippopotamuses escaped from the Vierfontein near Vaal River following the floods experienced on Wednesday.

In a statement that was issued yesterday, the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs said it notes with concern the report of the eight hippopotamus.

“During the recent floods, the camps were flooded and destroyed. Hippos went missing after being flooded out from the boma at Bellavue Free State private nature reserve.”

The department immediately visited the farm to assess the situation and confirmed the incident.

According to the department’s spokesperson, Mojalefa Mphapang, communities and farmers in the area have been informed and are encouraged to be vigilant and not to confront the animals but to inform the department’s environmental management inspectors when these animals are spotted.

The following officials can be contacted:

• Leepile Gaorekoe on 079 951 0200
• Dave Hayter on 079 507 8820

“It is unfortunate that the river levels continue to rise, and this makes the search operation difficult. The department will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with other stakeholders, including the farm owner, in trying to locate and recapture the animals.”

Also read: Welcome to SA: Another wild animal on the loose