Brutus, Rondevlei's first hippo, passes away

Rondevlei's famous hippo, Brutus, has died.
 
Brutus, the first hippo to be reintroduced into the Western Cape in 300 years, arrived at Rondevlei in November 1981. 
 
The hippo bull was found dead last week, at the age of 47.
 
Brutus was considered to be in a good condition for his age, and initial findings indicate a natural, age-related cause of death.
 
Cape Town deputy mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews: "We are saddened to confirm the passing of Brutus, Rondevlei's well-known, dominant hippo bull, who died at the remarkable age of 47. For more than four decades, he played a crucial role in restoring the wetlands system, helping control invasive vleigras and contributing to a healthy hippo population, whose offspring now live in reserves across the Western Cape."
 
Andrews said the hippo pod at Rondevlei now consists of five hippos, including one young bull.

"The remaining pod of five hippos at Rondevlei is stable and the city will assess options to introduce a new male in due course. Brutus leaves behind a significant conservation legacy. We extend our appreciation to the city's biodiversity teams for their continued care and stewardship of this important ecosystem."