Is the hippo at Longleat dead?

Longleat Safari Park's hippo Spot has died. The 49-year-old mammal was a popular attraction for visitors as she enjoyed relaxing in the park's lake and had spent 47 years of her life housed in the environmental enclosure.

What happened to Longleat hippos?

Hippos were first introduced to Longleat back in 1967, just a year after the Safari Park first opened. Spot and Sonia lived peacefully alongside the other animals in Half Mile Pond until their sad passing in 2023 and 2025. Now, the lake is home to a new pod of hippos, and can be seen from the Boat Safari.

How old is Spot the hippo at Longleat?

A safari park says one of its beloved hippopotamus will be "deeply missed" after dying at the age of 49. Spot had lived at Longleat in Wiltshire since 1977. Fellow hippo Sonia, also 49, died in April 2023.

Which animal died at Longleat?

Malaika, an African lion, who was born at the estate, was just weeks away from her 20^th birthday when she passed away peacefully in her sleep. She had been experiencing age-related difficulties as documented in the current series of Animal Park being screened daily on BBC One this week.

Will Longleat get a new hippo?

19 June 2025

Ambitious plans to bring back hippos were unveiled last year and yesterday the dream became reality when Matylda and Manon safely arrived in their new home. Four-year-old Matylda and three-year-old Manon, will be joined by Lola and Hodor from Whipsnade Zoo in the next couple of weeks.

Longleat Safari Park's fan favourite hippo Spot dies

Is the gorilla still alive at Longleat?

A gorilla who has lived at the famous Longleat Safari Park since 2012 has died. Keepers at the park announced the news on Twitter, explaining why they had made the decision to put him to sleep.

Has an animal ever escaped from Longleat?

A juvenile macaque monkey has escaped from Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, prompting a search by staff and police.

How many hippos were at Longleat?

Longleat was home to legendary female hippos Sonia and Spot for almost 50 years and visitors have been clamouring for a return of the breed since their deaths in 2023 and January respectively.

Why did Longleat get rid of penguins?

The penguin attraction at Longleat Safari Park has been closed after a “large amount” of birds died in a "devastating" malaria outbreak. A number of the park's Humboldt penguins passed away due to an outbreak of the strain of avian malaria, which is spread via mosquitoes.

Has anyone ever got out of their car at Longleat?

Car 'overheats' forcing family to flee from lion's den

Ms Clements said: "What we thought we better do is, because what you are supposed to do is sound your horn, so we did. But my son George thought he better get out the car, so he opened the door, and got out the car.

Who was the 2 year old hippo swallowed?

A local man threw stones at the hippo and scared it away. A hippo has attacked a 2-year-old boy in Uganda, swallowing half of his body before spitting him out, a statement from the Uganda Police Force said on Friday.

Where is Haggis the baby hippo?

Haggis (born 30 October 2024) is a pygmy hippopotamus currently living at Edinburgh Zoo in Edinburgh, Scotland. She achieved online popularity soon after her birth due to a comedic rivalry with fellow pygmy hippopotamus Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi Thailand.

Is the elephant still alive at Longleat?

Anne is an Asian elephant who has been alone at Longleat Safari Park since 2011.

Is the dwarf hippo still alive?

Hippopotamus madagascariensis, the Madagascar or Madagascan dwarf hippopotamus, is an extinct species of hippopotamus, endemic to the island of Madagascar. Known only from bones, it is believed to have gone extinct sometime after 1500.

Have the hippos arrived at Longleat?

Matylda, Manon, Lola & Hodor arrived at the Estate in June and have been spotted in the outdoor pond by guests since then; now they have taken their first steps in the paddock with the aim of having them regularly outdoors over the months ahead.

Do any zoos in the UK have hippos?

Status. Edinburgh Zoo currently has three pygmy hippos, an adult male called Otto, an adult female called Gloria and their newest baby, Haggis.

How much does a baby hippo at birth cost?

The female produces a single calf, which she nurses for 4-6 months. The calf is born and nursed underwater. The calf weighs about 60 to 110 pounds at birth and will weigh about 500 pounds by its first birthday. Females and their young usually have lasting relationships.

What zoo just had a baby elephant?

Jul 23 2025

If you've been following along with the Columbus Zoo's elephant baby watch, you're in for the sweetest update yet—the first of two Asian elephant calves has arrived, right here in Ohio, and she's thriving!

Has there ever been an accident at Longleat?

A four-year-old boy has died after an incident at a Center Parcs resort. The emergency services were called to the resort at Longleat in Wiltshire after a "serious medical incident" at a swimming pool at around 11am this morning. Wiltshire Police said: "Our thoughts are with the boy's family at this difficult time."

Do monkeys damage cars at Longleat?

Monkey Mayhem

Just like us, they have opposable thumbs. Which goes some way to explaining why they're so good at collecting loose car parts! A trip through Monkey Drive-Through is not for the faint of heart or new of car! Our cheeky monkeys may well climb on your car and can cause damage.

What famous gorilla was killed in the zoo?

On May 28, 2016, a three-year-old boy visiting the zoo climbed under a fence into an outdoor gorilla enclosure where he was grabbed and violently dragged and thrown by Harambe. Fearing for the boy's life, a zoo worker shot and killed Harambe.

Are there still lions at Longleat?

Lions were first introduced to Longleat in 1966, establishing the first Drive-Through Safari experience outside Africa. More than 50 years on and lions still roam. Spot each of the two prides on your travels through the safari.

What is the controversy with Longleat Safari Park?

Longleat lions destroyed 'because of genetic defects' Five lions were destroyed at Longleat Safari Park because they had serious genetic defects caused by inbreeding, managers said.

What happened to the bats at Longleat?

After a nearly five year closure, bats returned to Longleat in February 2025 with a colony of 42 Egyptian fruit bats. Across the Longleat Estate, we've found that between 14 and 16 species of bat live wildly in the woodland and parkland, including the rare greater horseshoe bat.