Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority wish to inform the  public of an incident reported on Friday, 25 January 2026 in Mtubatuba involving a hippo that was found snared in the Imfolozi River near Monzi. Upon arrival, Ezemvelo  officials found large numbers of community members gathered near the river. 

The Ezemvelo Team assessed the situation and determined that rescuing the animal  was impossible and extremely dangerous due to muddy terrain and high-risk conditions. The team contacted a local veterinary service, and a decision was taken to  humanely euthanise the hippo to end its severe suffering. 

After the animal was destroyed. Ezemvelo removed certain body parts, including the  head and legs, in accordance with its standing internal standard procedures for  carcass management. Due to the conditions, removal of the carcass was not possible, and it remained in the river while options were being assessed. 

During this time, members of the local community attempted to access the carcass to cut it for meat, resulting in an uncontrollable situation. Tragically, two individuals  drowned, one while attempting to reach the carcass and another while searching for the body of the individual who had drowned earlier. 

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority have conveyed their deepest condolences to the families of the two deceased individuals and strongly urges communities to refrain from approaching wildlife carcasses or entering swollen rivers, as this poses serious danger to human life. 

-ENDS-

Statement issued Jointly by iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and 

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

For Media enquires contact:

Musa Mntambo – Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife 

Communications Manager 

Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1743 

Cell: +27 (0) 83 284 9586 

Email: mntambom@kznwildlife.com

Bheki Manzini - iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority 

Communications and PR Manager 

Tel: +27 (0) 35 590 1633 

Cell: +27 (0) 60 533 2082 

Email: bhekimanzini@isimangaliso.com