St Lucia – A woman in her 50s is recovering at a private hospital in Durban after she survived a hippo attack in the Eastern Shores of Lake St Lucia, next to The Bridge Lodge.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority said the woman was attacked by a hippo on Wednesday (19 October 2022) at about 18h50.
A preliminary report found that three people, including a female in her 50s, went into an unprotected wetland, said the wetland authority, adding that the trio ignored clear signage of dangerous wildlife habitats such as crocodiles and hippos.
Narrating events leading to the hippo attack, the wetland authorities on Friday said the three individuals who ventured into a dangerous area were guests at The Bridge Lodge.
“It is alleged that they were attempting to go for a swim in the lake St Lucia when a hippo, which was grazing in the bush, attacked her [Woman in her 50s] and left her with severe injuries on her left leg,” said the wetland authority.
“She is currently receiving medical attention at a private hospital in Durban.”
The wetland authorities said iSimangaliso has proper clear signage in the park warning visitors of possible dangers.
“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 wetland authority said.
“The information received indicates that the incident happened at sunset, outside The Bridge Lodge in the area which has proper clear signage of dangerous wildlife animals.
“iSimangaliso would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the injured woman and wish her a speedy recovery.”
The hippo attack was the second incident in KwaZulu-Natal involving animals this week.
On Wednesday, a giraffe trampled a mother and child, fatally injuring the 16-month-old baby. The tragedy occurred at the Kuleni Farm in Hluhluwe.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHY HIPPOS ATTACK PEOPLE: Why Are Hippos Dangerous? Hippopotamus Attacks (animalwised.com)
