Four Hippos Join Longleat's Conservation Breeding Program

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Longleat Safari Park welcomes four hippos to its £2 million "Hippodrome" - but why are conservationists calling this a critical moment?

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Mother and son duo Lola (21) and Hodor (8) traveled from Whipsnade Zoo, joining Matylda and Manon who journeyed over 780 miles from the Czech Republic.

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The new state-of-the-art facility features the UK's largest free-range water habitat for hippos, plus seven acres of grazing land and specialized indoor pools.

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With only 125,000-148,000 hippos remaining worldwide and classified as 'Vulnerable' by conservation experts, every breeding group matters.

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"Hodor is a genetically important individual to the common hippo population," reveals Connor Corrigan, making this move crucial for the species' future.

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Longleat's new hippo complex was designed with breeding in mind - creating what could become one of Europe's largest hippo groups.

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The four hippos are gradually being introduced to each other with hopes they'll form a "bloat" - the fascinating name for a hippo family group.

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Visitors will soon be able to spot these magnificent creatures from Jungle Cruise boats that cross Half Mile Pond - but they'll need to be patient.

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What's Lola and Hodor's favorite food? Keepers revealed it's cabbage, which will remain a staple of their new Wiltshire diet.

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A time capsule marking the Hippodrome's opening invites local schools to contribute - connecting community with conservation as Longleat approaches its 60th anniversary.

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