Lucifer, a famed Florida hippo beloved by generations, dies at 65
Why it matters: "Lu wasn't just a hippo. He was Citrus County's hippo," the county's newspaper wrote in an obit. And for six decades, he served as "a living link between generations of park visitors."
Catch up quick: He was born at the San Diego Zoo on Jan. 26, 1960, and came to Homosassa Springs in 1964. Lu starred in a number of films and TV shows in the 1960s, including "Daktari" and "Cowboy in Africa."
When the state assumed control of the park in 1989 and shifted its focus to native Florida species, Lu's future became uncertain.
But after local uproar and a letter-writing campaign, then-Gov. Lawton Chiles made Lu an honorary citizen of Florida, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
What they're saying: "Children grew up visiting him, and many returned as adults with children of their own to say hello to the gentle giant," the department said in a statement.
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