Holidaymakers face ban after provoking hippo in St Lucia

A GROUP of holidaymakers could face a permanent ban from St Lucia after they provoked a hippo, in the town's Pelican Street.

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

The distressed animal charged at the holidaymakers, who were lucky to escape with only “scrapes and bruises”.

Following the incident last Wednesday evening, iSimangaliso Wetland Park has issued a warning about wildlife safety and the importance of respecting animals in their natural habitat.

The group are being investigated by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park after a video of the incident went viral on social media.

In the video, the holidaymakers are seen provoking the hippo, which was making its way down the street to a nearby watering hole.

Bystanders could be heard saying "that thing is going to charge" and "they are not listening".

Seconds thereafter, the clearly distressed hippo is seen charging at the three people in its path.

One person was knocked to the ground by the animal.

In the chaos, the visibly upset bystanders confronted the holidaymakers asking them: “What is wrong with you?”

St Lucia lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is a protected area which is home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park confirmed that the incident happened in St Lucia on the evening of April 30.

It has since launched an investigation into the incident which could result in a permanent ban of the holidaymakers from the town and possible legal action if they are found to have contravened any of the conservation by-laws.