On the 14th (local time), a staff member lost their life after being attacked by a hippopotamus in Kruger National Park, South Africa, according to the local daily newspaper The Citizen.
According to South African National Parks, on the 12th, Kobus De Wet, an environmental crime investigation team member camping in the park, was killed in a hippopotamus attack. Isaac Phala, spokesperson for South African National Parks, stated, "The exact circumstances of the incident are under investigation," and expressed "sincere condolences to Mr. De Wet's family and acquaintances."
The Citizen reported that Kruger National Park warned, "Attacks by hippopotamuses on people are increasing," but added, "This mainly happens because people ignore the laws of the wild."
Hippopotamuses spend their days in lakes, rivers, or swamps and come onto land at night to graze. They have a strong territorial instinct and may attack if people come too close. Especially if they feel their territory has been invaded, they often swim quickly to overturn or crush boats.
Spanning the northeastern provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, this national park is a representative nature reserve of South Africa. It is a famous wildlife tourism destination where visitors can see not only hippopotamuses but also lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, buffaloes, leopards, and various other animals.
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