Hippo Stuck In Swimming Pool Dies During Rescue Operation

A South African hippo stuck in a swimming pool died before rescuers could pull the large animal to safety, according to The Associated Press. After being separated from its herd, the hippo decided to take a swim in a nearby resort swimming pool. Sadly, the animal became stuck in the water for three long days.

In order to help keep the animal alive, Wild life expert Simon Prinsloo began pouring water on the poor creature with a bucket. Realizing the situation was becoming dire, Prinsloo soon switch to a hose. Just a veterinarians arrived with a crane to hoist the hippo from the pool, the animal passed away.

According to Naples News, the South African public was initially entranced by the story of a young hippo and his adventure into the resort’s swimming pool. However, it quickly became apparent that the animal’s life was in serious danger and that something must be done to pull it from the depths. Rescue efforts soon ensued.

MuIsabel Wentzel of South Africa’s National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals believes that the young hippo was chased away from the herd by dominate males. As a result, it ventured off into the unknown, eventually landing in the pool. Unfortunately for the animal, there wasn’t an easy way for it to escape.

Wentzel had hoped to sedate the creature and lift it to safety before something terrible took place. Although resort employees attempted to feed the creature to keep it healthy, the dirty, feces-filled water was ultimately working against their efforts. Some of the filthy water was drained from the pool, though emptying the pool completely would have ultimately dehydrated the hippo.

The Associated Press reports that a crane was in position at the Monate Conservation Lodge swimming pool to rescue the animal when it died.