The Thamalakane Hippos

The Thamalakane River in Maun, Botswana is almost dry. There are approximately 12 stranded hippos crowding the last of the pools, with nothing to eat on the dry riverbanks. The 2019 drought is one of the worst in many years and we need to relocate the hippo pods deeper into the Okavango Delta where there is sufficient water and enough to eat before the expected rains towards the end of the year.

The community in Maun faces danger. When the water dries completely, these creatures will move further into town and become perilous to the inhabitants - especially at night. Increased stress will make these hippos more aggressive. Already, people are taunting these hippos; residents know that more humans are killed by hippo than any other creature and they feel afraid. Not only will hippos benefit. Without food or water they will die. Maun residents will also feel safer. 

The Department of Wildlife as well as volunteers are already building enclosures where these hippos will be confined for 2 weeks until they strong enough and settled before they can be moved. During this time, we will need to bring in hay and lucerne to feed them. They will then be tranqulized and transported to safer areas. All this will cost money - from builing materials to feed to expensive tranquilizer drugs and large trucks.

We are grateful for any donations you can spare to help save these iconic creatures and to provide peace of mind to local communities in our town.