Hippos face off in Zambezi 0 The Ministry of Environment and Tourism earlier this year drilled three boreholes to pump water into the drying ponds located at the channel of the Linyanti River in an effort to save about 100 hippos but seven more have died. Earlier this year, the ministry decided to drill boreholes into the drying ponds where the hippos are to ensure that they have enough water to survive until the next rainy season.
This followed calls from the region for the hippos to be relocated to save their lives.
Environment spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the boreholes that were drilled at the ponds have been pumping insufficient water into some of the ponds.
He said that of the three ponds one was identified as a priority and this pond has been receiving enough water and has been filled regularly.
The other two ponds have been filling up slowly and have caused the hippos from these ponds to migrate to the other pond.
This has resulted in hippos becoming territorial and infighting among the animals.
As a result, seven hippos have been killed, he said.
Muyunda said that the ministry is now closely monitoring the situation and water will be increased in the other two ponds.
This will result in hippos dividing themselves between the three ponds again.
According to him, the ministry is hopeful that the boreholes will be a lasting solution until the rain come.
However, he said if the situation demands, relocation may be considered.
ELLANIE SMIT