A hippo who wandered into a swimming pool at a South African game lodge three days ago died today before a rescue team could pull him out with a crane.

The high stress may just have been too much for the hippo known as Solly, said the lodge manager.

Wildlife rescue expert Simon Prinsloo had been pouring water on the animal with a bucket and then through a hose to keep the hippo hydrated.

The team waited for a veterinarian to come before hoisting out the young hippo but he died as the vet arrived.

The young hippo had plunged into the deep pool on Tuesday after being chased away from his herd by male members seeking dominance but the one-ton animal could not get out of the pool, which had no steps, on its own.

The plight of the stranded hippo had captured the attention of many in South Africa.

One woman was crying at the scene as a crane lifted the lifeless body of the hippo into an orange animal trailer. Mr Prinsloo, with tears in his eyes, confirmed the death of the animal.

The hippo showed signs of stress early this morning, said Monate Conservation Lodge manager Ruby Ferreira, according to the South Africa Press Association.

"He was not as perky this morning, more agitated, like he was irritated. I think because he wanted to get out of the pool. That's my personal opinion," said Ms Ferreira.

She said there had been plans to get Solly out of the pool earlier, but the vets had not arrived.

"We've been waiting for the vets and I think they were just a bit too late."

Ms Ferreira said hippos are sensitive creatures and Solly was no different. His stress level had probably been rising since being forced from his group, called a pod, resulting in him taking shelter in the pool.

Once in the 8ft (2.4m) deep pool he could not get out, likely adding to his stress.

"It all just added up and added up," Ms Ferreira said.

"It started out as a happy story and now it's a tragic story. It's devastating."