Our pod is complete

Two more hippos have arrived.

Lola and Hodor, a mother and son, travelled from Whipsnade Zoo yesterday – Thursday 26 June.

They joined Matylda and Manon, who have been settling in over the past week since their arrival from the Czech Republic.

The four are housed in a state-of-the-art complex which has been designed to have room for any resulting offspring, creating a self-sustaining family group, known as a bloat.

Their arrival is seen as critical for the conservation breeding programme for this vulnerable species although it is too early to say when breeding may occur.

Darren Beasley, Head of Animal Operations, said: “It is amazing to see hippos back at Longleat and we will be spending the coming days letting them settle in, giving them time to get to know the keepers and slowly introducing them to each other.

“We hope in time to have offspring which will be a huge boost to the international breeding programme and vital for the protection of the species which aims to stop the move towards endangerment.”

However, he urges caution for those looking forward to baby hippos saying: “It’s too early to say when that may happen – we’ll let nature take its course.”

The arrival of the four semi-aquatic animals follows the deaths of family favourites of Sonia and Spot who had lived in Half Mile Pond for more than 40 years.

Lola, 21, and her son Hodor, eight, were born at Whipsnade and when it was announced they were arriving, their keepers revealed their favourite food was cabbage; which will also be a staple of their Wiltshire diet.

Darren said: “Matylda and Manon have settled in well so far, enjoying a wallow in their indoor pond and sometimes when in their house all you can see are their eyes watching you from above the water line.

“We hope Lola and Hodor settle in just as well and we expect Lola will become the matriarch of the family.”

Simon Askew, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have said from the outset that our plans for introducing hippos has been part of our commitment to conservation, sustainability and education. Today has seen a dream become reality.

“It is an exciting time for Longleat and for our guests who may start to spot the hippos in their paddock over the coming days. This is a great start for our celebrations for the 60th anniversary of the Safari Park in 2026.”

Over time the hippos will be able to be seen by guests from Jungle Cruise which offers trips across Half Mile Pond as part of the day ticket; it is hoped the hippos will be out in their area more frequently from the school summer holidays.