Rondevlei Nature Reserve are looking for volunteers who will be able to assist in hippo monitoring at the Strandfontein Sewage Works in order to find the younger hippo calf that is presently in Strandfontein. It is “hiding” in the pans and needs to be located and fenced before it causes a bother.

Zorro the hippo at the Waste Water Treatment Works in Strandfontein. Picture: SHELLEY CHRISTIANS

The prime search time is 05:00 – 7:30 for people to drive around the water treatment works pans and scan the water bodies. Volunteers will have to travel in their own vehicle, coming into Strandfontein off Strandfontein Road. If the animal is found, crews will come in to fence off the pan it is in.

The area is relatively safe for motor vehicles and all searching will be done from a vehicle; however it is recommended that people search in pairs. Once the animal is spotted you will need to make a call and keep your eyes on the animal until the crew arrives to “ring fence” it.

People who are interested in volunteering can contact Erica Essig at 021 396 4281 for further information.