Two drown in KwaZulu-Natal while attempting to access hippo carcass for meat
Two people have drowned in Mtubatuba, northern KwaZulu-Natal, after attempting to access the carcass of a hippo that had earlier been euthanised in the iMfolozi River, conservation authorities have confirmed.
In a joint statement released on Saturday, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park Authority said the incident followed the discovery of a hippo that had been severely injured after becoming trapped in a snare in the Imfolozi River near Monzi.
According to the authorities, Ezemvelo officials responded to the scene on Sunday, where they found the animal in distress and a large number of community members gathered along the riverbank. After assessing the situation, officials determined that rescuing the hippo was not possible due to the muddy terrain and high-risk conditions posed by the swollen river.
After a local veterinary service was contacted, a decision was taken to humanely euthanise the animal to end its suffering.
Following the euthanasia, Ezemvelo officials removed certain body parts, including the head and legs, in line with the organisation’s standard internal procedures for carcass management. However, due to the unsafe conditions, the full removal of the carcass could not be carried out, and it remained in the river while alternative options were considered.
Authorities said that during this period, members of the local community attempted to reach the carcass to cut it for meat. The situation reportedly became uncontrollable.
“Tragically, two individuals drowned,” the joint statement said. “One drowned while attempting to reach the carcass, and the second drowned while searching for the body of the first individual.”
Emergency services later recovered the bodies. The identities of the deceased have not been released.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park Authority expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the two individuals who lost their lives.
The authorities have also issued a strong warning to communities, urging people to refrain from approaching wildlife carcasses or entering rivers, particularly when water levels are high.
“Swollen rivers and distressed wildlife carcasses pose a serious and immediate danger to human life,” the statement said.
IOL