The Rondevlei Nature Reserve in Cape Town is mourning the loss of Brutus, the original male hippopotamus reintroduced to the reserve in 1981.
Brutus, who became a symbol of successful wildlife conservation in urban spaces, passed away likely due to old age, at an estimated 47 years.
Brutus was captured as a young hippo in Zululand and transported to the reserve at the age of around three years.
For nearly four decades, he played a central role in the management of the hippo population at Rondevlei, contributing to the preservation of the vlei’s ecosystem.
The news of his passing was shared with the public by the Visitors to Rondevlei Nature Reserve group on social media, with many expressing their sadness at the loss of the beloved animal.
Howard Langley, who posted the update, described Brutus as an iconic figure in the reserve and a key part of its history.
A Key Figure in Ecological Management
Brutus was part of the first group of hippos reintroduced to the reserve in 1981, aimed at controlling the spread of invasive South American grasses threatening the vlei’s shoreline.
Over the years, he became known as the dominant male in the reserve’s small population of hippos.
His role was integral not only to the management of the local ecosystem but also to the success of the reserve’s urban wildlife conservation efforts.
As one of the most recognized animals in the reserve, Brutus became a popular attraction for visitors, many of whom came specifically to see him in his natural habitat.
His passing marks the end of an era at Rondevlei, where hippos have been an essential part of the ecosystem and a visible symbol of the city’s commitment to urban conservation.
Preserving Urban Nature
The City of Cape Town has long overseen the management of the Rondevlei Nature Reserve, ensuring the careful monitoring of both the wildlife and the habitat.
The hippo population, under Brutus’s leadership, was consistently maintained at a sustainable level to protect the wetland’s biodiversity.
Brutus was also known for his occasional escapes from the reserve, though these were typically resolved quickly by local authorities.
Earlier this year, a young hippo was relocated after wandering out of the reserve, but overall, the animals have been a successful part of the conservation programme.
A Community’s Tribute
Staff, local residents, and visitors alike have paid tribute to Brutus, reflecting on the lasting impact he had on both the reserve’s ecosystem and the people who came to admire him.
The reserve’s ongoing conservation efforts will continue in Brutus’s memory, ensuring that the wetland and its inhabitants remain protected for future generations.
As the reserve moves forward, it will continue to monitor the remaining hippos in the area and maintain the delicate balance between urban development and wildlife preservation that Brutus helped to symbolise.
