Two hippos will soon become the first residents of Longleat’s new ‘Hippodrome’ – a purpose-built habitat at the safari park.
Construction on an eagerly anticipated new facility started earlier this year and is due to be completed in June.
Once the complex is ready, hippos Lola, 21, and her son Hodor, eight, will make a journey from Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable, Bedfordshire to their new home in Wiltshire.
Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations at Longleat, said, “We have been to see Lola and Hodor and they are lovely animals; we are looking forward to them – and others – joining us this summer.
“Their arrival is part of our commitment to conservation, sustainability and education and is a great pre-cursor for our celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the safari park in 2026.”
Lola and Hodor will become the first hippos at Longleat since the deaths of Sonia and Spot, who had lived in Half Mile Pond for more than 40 years.
A time capsule is being created to celebrate the hippodrome project, with local people invited to make suggestions as to what should be included.
If you or your school or community group would like to contribute an item to the time capsule, contact communications@longleat.co.uk
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