Meet Lola and Hodor!
30 April 2025
Meet Lola and Hodor! Two hippos who will be arriving at Longleat in the summer.
Work on a new hippo complex started on the estate earlier this year and the roof is now on the house with it due to be completed in June.
Lola, 21 and her son Hodor, eight, were born at Whipsnade Zoo and will be travelling to Longleat once the purpose-built complex is ready.
We have also agreed to bring in other hippos so a pod is created with the house having room to for any resulting offspring, creating a self-sustaining family group.
The arrival of Lola and Hodor will be the first hippos since the deaths of Sonia and Spot who had lived in Half Mile Pond for more than 40 years.
Connor Corrigan, Team Leader of Large Hoofstock at Whipsnade Zoo said: “Hodor is a genetically important individual to the common hippo population, so the opportunity for him to move to a new home and contribute to the conservation breeding programme for this vulnerable species is really important.
“We'll miss them lots but excited that they are going to a brand-new exhibit that's been custom designed for them.
“Lola is inquisitive and well-mannered, who loves nothing more than soaking in her pond on a hot day. Hodor is full of energy, with a big appetite – their favourite food is definitely cabbage! We are sure Longleat’s visitors are going to love to see them.”
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.”
For the official handover of the complex from Minshall Construction which is leading the build, a time capsule is being created 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, please contact communications@longleat.co.uk in the first instance.