Lucifer, a famed Florida hippo beloved by generations, dies at 65
Lucifer, a fixture of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the oldest known hippopotamus in the Americas, died on Sunday at the age of 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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Axios
9 hours ago
- Axios
Lucifer, a famed Florida hippo beloved by generations, dies at 65
Lucifer, a fixture of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the oldest known hippopotamus in the Americas, died on Sunday at the age of 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.
Miami Herald
10 hours ago
- Miami Herald
‘Cherished' 3-ton animal featured in movies dies at Florida wildlife park at 65
A beloved and massive 65-year-old animal — the oldest of his kind in the Americas — living out his days at a Florida wildlife park has died. Lu the African hippopotamus was known for his 'calm presence and gentle personality' that drew in visitors at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for decades, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection said. While he attracted a following at the central Florida wildlife park, he starred on the silver screen as well, featuring in movies and TV shows from the 1960s such as 'Daktari,' 'Cowboy in Africa,' the 'Art Linkletter Show' and the 'Herb Albert Special,' according to park officials. 'For more than 60 years, Lu was not just an animal in the park; he was a friend, a fixture and a treasured member of the community,' according to a statement on the Florida State Parks website. 'Children grew up visiting him, and many returned as adults with children of their own to say hello to the gentle giant.' The hippo was so beloved that when the Florida Park Service bought the property in 1989 and planned to rehome the exotic species living there, public support led to the governor making Lu a Florida citizen, helping him stay at his longtime home. He was born at the San Diego Zoo in January 1960, making him the oldest hippo in North and South America at the time of his death, according to Florida State Parks. Longtime park visitors recalled their years of experiences with the 'cherished' 3-ton hippo, who was also known for flinging poop at those who got too close. 'He was an icon that will be greatly missed at the park,' one visitor wrote on Facebook. 'I've been going to the park for over 50 years and he's always been a favorite (all) these years.' Another visitor wrote she was 'devastated' by the news. 'I have been seeing this wonderful guy since I was a little girl and I'm almost in my 30's,' she wrote on Facebook. 'He lived a long life. He is forever loved by me and so many others.' The state park is in Citrus County, about a 70-mile drive north from Tampa.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lu, beloved Homosassa Springs hippo, dies at 65
The Brief Lu, a hippo who spent more than 60 years in Citrus County, has died. He was brought to Homosassa Springs in 1964 and appeared in various movies and TV shows. Park officials say Lu will be "deeply missed and forever remembered." HOMOSASSA SPRINGS, Fla. - Lu, a hippopotamus who spent more than 60 years at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, has died, park officials announced late Sunday. The backstory According to the state park's official website, Lu was born at the San Diego Zoo on Jan. 26, 1960, and was brought to Homosassa Springs in 1964. Lu gained popularity in the 1960s as an actor with the Ivan Tors Animal Actors troupe, appearing in various movies and TV series. He was also known for what park officials described as "his calm presence and gentle personality that endeared him to generations of Floridians and visitors alike." What they're saying A statement from the park reads, in part: "For more than 60 years, Lu was not just an animal in the park; he was a friend, a fixture and a treasured member of the community. Children grew up visiting him, and many returned as adults with children of their own to say hello to the gentle giant. His legacy extends beyond his impressive lifespan — he represented the deep connection between people and the animals who inspire wonder, empathy and stewardship. Lu is survived in spirit by the devoted park rangers who cared for him, the millions of visitors whose lives he touched and the wildlife community he helped anchor. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered." Follow FOX 13 on YouTube The Source This story was written with information from Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
