On a cool Sunday evening this hippo decided to take a casual stroll to the petrol station – to refuel itself for the week ahead.

A video that was shared by OK Express and Engen in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, has brought much traction to the petrol station and its convenience store but, according to store manager Leandra Heynie, this is quite a common sight for locals.

Speaking to YOU magazine, Leandra revealed it’s completely normal for hippos to be seen strolling around in their little town because of its proximity to the St Lucia Wetlands Park.

“This hippo was spotted last night after it skipped the main road and casually pranced onto the petrol [station forecourt] for a bit of a graze which is quite common for us in this area,” she explained.

“Hippos are really friendly animals. They don’t bother anyone. [They just have] a bit of a graze and then they’re off again.”

Marie Stubbe who works as a manager at Lakeview Cabanas, a resort near the petrol station, was the one who originally captured the now-viral clip.

“I’ve lived in this town for 26 years and this is a regular sighting,” Marie said, speaking to YOU.

“I call them the friendly giants because once the sun sets they come out of the water to look for a grass patch to peacefully graze on.”

However, Marie did warn that it was important to understand that hippos are still wild animals and “when they feel threatened there’s no telling what their reaction will be so it’s better to steer clear of them”.

The shared clip has received more than 2 000 shares on Facebook.