By Francisco Máximo
The journalist Stephanie Hanes joined a team of Park officials as they went to the Pungué River to scare away a hippo that was threatening the safety of Park staff. Staff members living in the Vinho community cross the river daily on their way to work. After walking on land and through water, the team arrived to the place where the hippo was last seen.
After spotting the animal’s location, a plan was put into action, basically consisting of the strategic placement of armed rangers firing to scare the hippo with the sound of the rifle’s shots. After some time the hippo went far away, scared by the sound of the shots.
This operation was closely observed by the Park’s Department of Scientific Services that observed the operation. In the end, the mission was accomplished and the Park staff members can continue crossing the river without the threat of a hippo attack.
Text and photos by Francisco Máximo