The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority (iSimangaliso) would like to confirm the hippo incident which happened on Wednesday the 19th of October 2022 in the evening around 18h50 in the Eastern Shores of the Lake St Lucia next to The Bridge Lodge in St Lucia town.
According to the preliminary report three individuals, including an elderly female estimated to be 50 years old (who was attacked by the hippo) allegedly went into an unprotected nearby wetland which have a clear signage of dangerous wildlife habitat such as crocodiles and hippos. These individuals were guest at The Bridge Lodge and it is alleged that they were attempting to go swim in the lake St Lucia when a Hippo which was grassing in the bush attacked her and left her with severe injuries on her left leg and she is currently receiving medical attention at a private hospital in Durban.
iSimangaliso has proper clear signage in the Park warning visitors of possible dangers, this is to ensure that such incidents are avoided. iSimangaliso would like to again caution visitors to always ensure to keep a safe distance and not threaten the wildlife by coming too close as this may lead to such incidents. The information received indicate that the incident happened as sunset, outside The Bridge Lodge on the area which has a proper clear signage of dangerous wildlife animals.
iSimangaliso would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the injured women and wish her a speedy recovery.
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Statement issued by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority
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MLO: Mr Bheki Manzini
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