Longleat is planning to reintroduce hippos to its Wiltshire estate, aiming to provide state-of-the-art accommodation for this vulnerable species. The estate has submitted plans to Wiltshire County Council, marking a major step towards the return of these beloved animals.
The park previously housed two iconic female hippos, Sonia and Spot, for nearly 50 years. Following their recent deaths—Spot in January and Sonia in 2023—visitors have expressed a strong desire to see hippos return to Longleat. The proposed plans include a self-sustaining pod consisting of a bull, females, and space for any offspring, fostering a family group, known as a “bloat.”
The submission outlines plans for a modern hippo house, replacing the existing structure, along with enhancements to the grazing paddock and Half Mile Pond. The facility will also feature indoor pools and an educational classroom designed for talks, behind-the-scenes tours, and group visits.
Simon Askew, Interim Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the park’s commitment to conservation and education, stating:
“We want to be part of the European Breeding Programme for this iconic species. Our hippos were deeply loved by visitors and staff, and we’re excited to bring them back as part of our conservation efforts.”
Longleat’s relationship with hippos dates back to 1967, just a year after the Safari Park opened. Sonia and Spot were the most recent residents, coexisting peacefully with sealions, gorillas, colobus monkeys, and even native beavers that have recently made the area their home. If approved, the reintroduction will grant hippos access to the largest free-range water habitat for the species in human care in the UK, alongside seven acres of grazing land.
Askew highlighted advancements in hippo care and Longleat’s aspirations to modernize its facilities, adding:
“This initiative allows us to continue the story of hippos at Longleat, playing a crucial role in raising awareness of conservation issues. With this project, we aim to become a leading participant in the European breeding programme and establish Longleat as a national and international leader in hippo care and conservation. This is a significant investment both for conservation and the future of Longleat.”
The ambitious plan seeks to honor the estate’s long-standing history with hippos while paving the way for new conservation opportunities and educational initiatives, ensuring their legacy thrives for generations to come.