Warning against animal interaction at St Lucia
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is warning its visitors to be extra careful when walking around St Lucia as wild animals roam free in the area - especially in winter as they seek their natural food near human habitation.
CEO Andrew Zaloumis says the village of St Lucia is surrounded by world heritage sites and not fenced and encounters with wild animals are possible.
He's advising visitors who do come across hippos, crocodiles or wild dogs to be cautious.
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Zaloumis says it's better for those who do come across a wild animal to not bother it.
"If you are in a vehicle, the vehicle does give you some protection. Don't hop out of the vehicle or put the animal under pressure. And it will walk away," he says.
Zaloumis has also discouraged the feeding of these animals.