A young hippopotamus who got stuck in the swimming pool of a Limpopo game lodge died on Friday morning, the lodge manager said.

The hippo, named “Solly” by one of his caregivers, died around 11am before he could be rescued, Monate Conservation Lodge manager Ruby Ferreira said.

She said Solly was acting differently on Friday morning.

“He was not as perky.. more agitated, like he was irritated. I think because he wanted to get out of the pool. That’s my personal opinion.” 

She said there had been plans to get Solly out of the pool, but veterinarians had not arrived yet.

“We’ve been waiting for the vets and I think they were just a bit too late.” 

Ferreira said hippos were sensitive creatures and Solly was no different.

His stress level had probably been rising since being forced from his group, called a pod, on Tuesday, resulting in him taking shelter in the pool.

Once in the 2.4m deep pool he could not get out, likely adding to his stress.

“It all just added up and added up,” Ferreira said.

While the lodge worked to care for the animal, there was no getting away from the fact that pool was not a natural environment for Solly.

“Although we looked after him, it was an unnatural environment for him. We are really sad at this lodge today,” Ferreira said.

“It started out as a happy story and now it’s a tragic story. It’s devastating.” 

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Sun May 19 09:35:50 SAST 2013 ::

Aug 24, 2012

RobinH

Oh this is rather sad, actually.
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Aug 24, 2012

Mosquer

Said for the death of animal but happy for the death of a human being!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Aug 24, 2012

Pointman

Sad - nothing works for us anymore. Another story which was heading for a happy ending lost to us.
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Aug 24, 2012

MommaC

Shame, Sorry to hear that.
Condolences to the human Solly - he must be feeling heartsore about this.
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Aug 24, 2012

Nice1

OH shame thats sad. Rest peacefully Solly.
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Aug 24, 2012

Rockwell

This a great loss indeed, May his soul rest in peace..
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Aug 24, 2012

RobinH

Mosquer. Positioning. Your comment follows directly after mine. Are you seriously going to deny that you were referring to me. Truthful? This follows how? Too much scripture has addled you, Sir. But then I guess you are thankful that you are able to delude yourself so successfully. Enjoy your weekend.
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Aug 24, 2012

imbabazane

@ Galfrend...

hehehe, some how calling it "le mvubu" when everyone is calling it "Hippo"...makes it sound funny, and more disdainful then it otherwise would be...hehehe...le mvubu...hehhehhe
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Aug 24, 2012

Mothohalatlhwe

Julius Malema on his way......lol. "I BLAME ZUMA"
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Aug 24, 2012

MUofhekona

okay lets call on the judiciary of commission allocated by Zuma to also investigate into the matter since soly died within the week of mourning...Now who to blame?
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