JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – An elderly woman was killed after being attacked by a hippo in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa, authorities said Thursday.
The 63-year-old woman was pronounced dead on the scene.
Zaid Kalla, a spokesperson for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism said there is a possibility that the animal attacked the elderly woman after sensing what its though was probably a threat
“Assuming the hippo felt provoked, threatened, and overwhelmed by the animalistic need to protect its young, it attacked,” said Kalla. “Those around managed to escape while the 63-year-old fell victim to the animal.”
Kalla said the provincial government had mandated wildlife experts to catch the animal before it causes further damage.
