Longleat Safari Park has revealed plans to reintroduce hippos to its Wiltshire estate, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to animal conservation.
The Park, once home to the iconic duo, Sonia and Spot, who captivated visitors for almost half a century until their passing in 2023 and January this year, aims to welcome a new pod of hippos as early as summer 2025.
In its recent submission to Wiltshire County Council, Longleat has proposed constructing a state-of-the-art hippo house on the existing site, complemented by enhancements to the grazing paddock and the historic Half Mile Pond. The proposed facility will also feature indoor pools and a dedicated classroom, offering educational talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and group experiences.
Simon Askew, Longleat’s Interim Chief Operating Officer, expressed his excitement, stating, “Our hippos were cherished by both staff and visitors. This initiative not only honours their legacy but also reinforces our commitment to the conservation and education of this incredible species.” He added that Longleat’s return to housing hippos could play a pivotal role in the European Breeding Programme for these vulnerable animals.
Hippos first arrived at Longleat in 1967, just a year after the park’s inception. Over the years, visitors marvelled at Sonia and Spot as they coexisted harmoniously with other animals, including sealions, gorillas, and colobus monkeys, in and around the Half Mile Pond. In recent years, native beavers have also made the area their home.
Askew emphasised that modern advancements in animal care would enable Longleat to offer one of the most expansive free-range water habitats in the UK, ensuring the welfare and enrichment of the new hippo pod. With access to seven acres of grazing land, Longleat’s goal is to establish a self-sustaining ‘bloat’ — a family unit consisting of a bull and several females.
Beyond providing a sanctuary, Longleat’s hippo project is set to raise awareness about the conservation challenges faced by these majestic creatures. Habitat loss and degradation have severely impacted their populations, and Longleat’s involvement in international breeding efforts could make a tangible difference.
Should the plans receive approval, Longleat will embark on its ambitious project immediately, with hopes of reintroducing hippos to delighted visitors by the summer of 2025.
