Gambian animal rights defenders have condemned the killing of a hippopotamus that was presented to President Adama Barrow at his home village, Makangma Kunda.

In a video shared on social media, President Barrow can be seen going round the dead hippo as it’s lowered from a military type truck.

An unnamed hunter from Kuntaur is reported to have killed the hippo and presented it to Barrow as a gift. 

But the act has been strongly condemned by Gambian animal rights defenders.

Nyang Njie, an animal rights activist-cum-political commentator said the “troubling video should be condemned by all for the disregard to our environment.

“How can a hippo be presented to anyone. The hippos are protected by the BANJUL DECLARATION and our government must ensure the protection of this specie.

“This video is barbaric and the act needs condemnation and sensitisation. Where is the outrage from the Minister of Parks and Wildlife for the brutal and barbaric act against the biggest mammal left in the Gambia.

“The hippos are our national endowment and we have a duty to protect and preserve them for the next generation of Gambians. I do hope that the President will come out and encourage people to desist from the practice of ravaging this mammal being the custodian in chief of all our national assets,” he said.

Hippopotamus are animal species seen as a threat to some Gambian communities who are into rice cultivation especially in the Central River Region, which has the potential to become The Gambia’s rice basket if more mechanical support is given to farmers.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba