Watch: Hippo wandering across lawn in Chartwell, Johannesburg [video]

Several netizens on Wednesday 30 December 2020 took to social media and reported a hippo sighting alongside the Klein Jukskei River in Chartwell, Johannesburg.

A video of the hippo lazily grazing alongside the river was shared on a security group, while Chartwell and Olivenhoutbosch residents were warned to be on the lookout and keep a safe distance.

Hippo spotted in Chartwell, Johannesburg

As reported by SABC news anchor Nzinga Qunta, the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD) “is working with local communities […] to raise awareness and ensure the safety of both people and the hippo”.

In addition, the Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital confirmed that they were aware of the hippopotamus sighting Chartwell and that GDARD was “on the scene to assess the situation”.

Chartwell Country Estates (CCE) called on residents to “keep clear of the river at this time, and report any sightings of the hippo to the CCE” through one of their social media platforms.

As has been widely shared on social media platforms and national television, a hippo was spotted along the Klein Jukskei River in Chartwell on Tuesday the 29th of December. The CCE, various Chartwell residents and wildlife organisations are monitoring the situation closely and formulating a plan to ensure the safe relocation of the hippo.

Chartwell Country Estates (CCE)

Social media reacts to hippo sighting

Social media platforms, especially Twitter, have been abuzz since the first sighting was reported on 29 December 2020. One netizen questioned whether it was Harpo the Hippo from Hartebeespoort Dam.

Harpo has been seen around Johannesburg on several occasions. A Farmall resident confirmed to Fourways Review that the hippo was “on the river bank opposite their property”.

“Someone had posted a footprint on our local group and then someone posted the photo that’s now all over social media so we had a look down at the river from our house and it was just standing there on the river bank”.

Farmall resident Nikki Skews

One user expressed concern over the hippo’s wellbeing, saying it must be terrified and “could therefore be dangerous”. Another user reportedly spoke to a wildlife expert “who says the hippo is fine, she has been here for years”.

According to the Facebook user, the hippo is “not dangerous and has been moving up and down between Chartwell and Harties”. Over on Twitter, one netizen succinctly summed it up:

“Hippo in Chartwell, Johannesburg… Hamba 2020, it’s enough”.

Also read: Wild dogs, hyenas and hippos battle it out over two impalas [graphic video]