Elusive hippo avoids capture

While the hippo, which escaped through a hole in the fence in Rondevlei last week, was sighted last night, it had not come far enough away from the water to be darted.

The rationale is that the sedative needs to take action before the hippo can get back to the water and run the risk of drowning.

The team says that capturing a hippo can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking up to three weeks.

The hippo's safety is top priority

"We are not concerned that we were unable to dart the hippo last night, this is usual capture procedure and can take up to weeks - the most important factor is to ensure that the hippo's safety is top priority and we will only dart the animal if the location is completely comfortable for the hippo with no risk factors," said Mark Rutherford.

Gondwana veterinarian Brendan Tindall said that hippos are creatures of habit, so if tonight they do not capture the animal they will quickly be able to predict his movements.

When the hippo is captured, the Gondwana Nature Reserve along the Western Cape's Garden Route will become his new home.

About 10 500 hectares of reclaimed agricultural land will be the perfect space for the hippo's safety and life satisfaction. He will even have a friend waiting for him at the reserve.