Zambezi hippos not critical

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



The environment ministry has clarified that hippos stranded in a pond in the Wuparo Conservancy in the Zambezi Region are not in a dire situation, as was reported, but admitted that the situation needs attention.

It was reported that more than 40 hippos have been stuck in a small, natural pool for several months and are unable to reach the main river.

The water that normally feeds this channel has all but dried up, creating small waterholes.

According to the ministry, it charged officials to visit the site to establish the condition of the hippos. It has been established there are approximately 32 hippos in a pool, but no mortalities have been reported to date.



Solar panels, generator pump

Ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said earlier this year, the ministry handed over solar panels to the conservancy to pump water into the pond, in anticipation of this situation.

The solar system has now been removed to install a generator pump.

“We have established that a new borehole was drilled by the conservancy recently, which is currently pumping water, increasing the water significantly.”

However, the ministry will install a bigger capacity water pump and fuel to increase water supply into the pond.

“The ministry is committed to ensuring the survival of the hippos. For this reason, we will continuously monitor the situation until it normalises.

“We are also calling on private sector stakeholders to work with the ministry and avoid making calls for financial support before engaging the relevant authorities.”