Govind Tekale
Longleat Safari Park has welcomed four new hippos as part of a crucial conservation breeding program for this vulnerable species. The arrival marks a significant milestone after the deaths of beloved hippos Sonia and Spot, who had lived at Half Mile Pond for over 40 years.
Mother and son Lola (21) and Hodor (8) arrived from Whipsnade Zoo last Thursday, joining Matylda (4) and Manon (3), who traveled over 780 miles from the Czech Republic the previous week. All four now reside in a new state-of-the-art facility designed to house what could become one of Europe’s largest hippo groups.
“It is amazing to see hippos back at Longleat,” said Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations. “We hope in time to have offspring which will be a huge boost to the international breeding program, and vital for the protection of the species.”
The common hippopotamus is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Recent estimates show global populations range between 125,000 and 148,000, facing threats from habitat loss and poaching for their ivory teeth. In contrast, the rarer pygmy hippo, found only in West Africa, has fewer than 3,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
Longleat’s new £2 million “Hippodrome” complex features indoor pools, seven acres of grazing land, and the largest free-range water habitat for hippos in the UK. The facility also includes a classroom for educational talks, enabling Longleat to raise public awareness about conservation issues.
“We have said from the outset that our plans for introducing hippos has been part of our commitment to conservation, sustainability and education,” said Simon Askew, Chief Operating Officer. “Today has seen a dream become reality.”
Similar Posts
Connor Corrigan, Team Leader at Whipsnade Zoo, emphasized the importance of Hodor’s move: “Hodor is a genetically important individual to the common hippo population, so the opportunity for him to contribute to the conservation breeding program for this vulnerable species is really important.”
Keepers revealed Lola and Hodor’s favorite food is cabbage, which will remain a staple of their Wiltshire diet. The team expects Lola to become the matriarch of the new family group, known as a “bloat.”
Visitors will eventually be able to view the hippos from the popular Jungle Cruise boats that cross Half Mile Pond, though the animals are still settling in and being gradually introduced to each other. Full public viewing is expected to begin during the summer school holidays.
The hippos’ arrival comes ahead of Longleat Safari Park’s 60th anniversary in 2026. The park was the first safari park to open outside of Africa when it began operations in 1966, with hippos first introduced in 1967.
A time capsule is being created to mark the official handover of the Hippodrome, with local schools and community groups invited to contribute ideas for items to include, further cementing Longleat’s role in both conservation and education.
As global hippo populations face mounting threats, breeding programs like Longleat’s represent a critical safety net for the species. The park’s investment in specialized facilities and expertise demonstrates how modern zoos can contribute to wildlife conservation while educating the public about vulnerable species.
