INTERNATIONAL CELEBRITY

Huberta had left her birthplace around 1928, now in around March 1929 she was the topic of the day, the hope, the joy, the laughter.  Huberta gave reason to start the day.  Times were tough, work was scarce, many were depressed but reading about this spunky hippo put a smile on peoples faces. It was announced that she was protected under the Royal Game Act 1909, not only that she was protected by folklore.  The Zulu people saw her as the spirit of their mighty warrior King Shaka, the Indian people as a deity and both children and adults just loved her.  The media watched her every move, wrote about what she was doing, for everyone she had personality.  Being in the area around Durban she decided to visit the Beachwood Golf course.  













"The reporters have written that I am about to buy a plot of land on the golf course.  I have been there and left my footprints. Buying land?  Not sure about that." 

Stories were written about her from Canada to London, in South Africa she became the National pet, her name no longer Billy but Herbert.  There was nothing particularly magical about her, but she became a magical figure.  It is recorded that she was seen at the Trappist Monastery Marianhill.  Before her visit to the monastery she was seen at Umgeni River and at another golf club the Durban Golf Club.

Huberta attended a pajama party when the residents came out to see her in their jarmies.  True to Huberta news, the next morning the newspapers both nationally and internationally told the story.

"I am really having fun."

In 1929 the area was already a built up urban area and, did not have the tranquility of a nature reserve.  Huberta was able to wander around, be mischievous and get worldwide attention via the media   She allegedly bit a young boy, danced on a sergeants hat yet was loved and forgiven and her journey was followed with keen interest.