Safari park plans to bring hippos back

Longleat Safari Park has exciting news! They are planning to bring hippos back to their park. Hippos are large, fascinating animals that enjoy spending time in the water. The park used to have two hippos named Sonia and Spot, who were beloved by visitors for many years. Unfortunately, both hippos passed away earlier this year, after living at Longleat for nearly 50 years. Now, the park is eager to reintroduce hippos and become an important part of a European breeding program for this unique species. To make this happen, Longleat has submitted plans to build a new hippo house and improve the areas where the hippos can graze and swim. Simon Askew, the interim chief operating officer, stated, 'We want to be part of the European breeding program for this iconic species. ' This means that Longleat aims to help ensure the survival of hippos in the wild by breeding them in a safe environment. The park's plan includes bringing in a male hippo and several female hippos to create a family group, which is known as a 'bloat' of hippos. They also want to create indoor pools for the hippos, a classroom for educational talks, and opportunities for behind-the-scenes tours and group visits. Mr. Askew emphasized, 'Our hippos were much-loved by visitors and staff alike, and we want to enable their return as part of our commitments to conservation and education of this incredible species. ' Hippos were first introduced to Longleat in 1967, just one year after the park opened its doors to the public. If Longleat successfully brings hippos back, they will play a significant role in the European breeding program for this vulnerable species, potentially having the largest group of hippos in Europe. Mr. Askew explained, 'If we are able to bring them back to Longleat, they would have access to the largest free-range water habitat in the UK for hippos in human care and seven acres of grazing land. ' This means the hippos will have plenty of space to swim and graze, which is essential for their well-being. The park's plans have been submitted to Wiltshire Council for approval, and everyone is hopeful for a positive outcome.