HUBERTA

Huberta is undoubtedly one of the most popular hippopotamus in the history of South Africa. In November 1928 Huberta was living in a waterhole in the St Lucia estuary in Zululand,when she decided to start a 1600km journey to the Eastern Cape of Africa. The voyage took over three years and captured the attention of huge crowds of people . She was constantly followed by curious journalists thereby becoming very famous . Huberta was not shy,she crossed roads and railroads and also visited towns. She ate her way through parks gardens and farms. She even trampled over golf courses. During her journey , Huberta settled at the mouth of mhlanga river for several weeks.... She seemed to like the area. People would visit the hippo and give her fruits,sugar canes and other treats. Since she was so popular, the decision was made to capture her and place her in the Johannesburg zoo,but she proved elusive and the attempt failed . Huberta the travelled south to Durban where she visited a beach and a country club. Due to her celebrity, the natal provincial council declared Huberta royal game and it became illegal to hunt or catch her.
In March 1931,Huberta arrived East London, South Africa . On her voyage she crossed 122 rivers. One month after arriving East London,she was shot and killed by hunters. The men were tracked down and arrested. They were fined £25 for killing royal game. Huberta's body was discovered and to a taxidermist in london. In 1933 the body of Huberta was returned to South Africa . The event was highly publicised and over 20,000 people came out to greet her. Huberta was eventually placed in Amathole museum in king Williams town , where she remains on display so that everyone can enjoy her remarkable story