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Miami Herald
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- 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
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lu the hippo dies at Florida wildlife park. What to know about gentle giant seen by generations
Lu the hippopotamus died June 8, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Lu had been at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park since 1964, and was 65 years old. "His legacy extends beyond his impressive lifespan — he represented the deep connection between people and the animals who inspire wonder, empathy and stewardship," according to Florida State Parks' website. Lu was a hippopotamus born at the San Diego Zoo on Jan. 26, 1960. The hippo arrived at Homosassa Springs in 1964. "A charismatic actor, he was a movie and television star with the Ivan Tors Animal Actors troupe and starred in popular films and television shows of the 1960s, including 'Daktari,' 'Cowboy in Africa,' the 'Art Linkletter Show' and the 'Herb Albert Special.' "His Hollywood past added to his charm, but it was his calm presence and gentle personality that endeared him to generations of Floridians and visitors alike." "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." "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," Florida State Parks said. A memorial will be placed at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to honor Lu's extraordinary life and legacy, according to an email from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is located in Homosassa, along Florida's west coast, about 70 miles northwest of Orlando or 60 miles southwest of Gainesville. "When Homosassa Springs was a popular train stop in the early 1900s, passengers could picnic and take a dip in the spring while train cars were being loaded up with cedar, crabs, fish and spring water. "A unique underwater structure, the Underwater Observatory allows visitors to 'walk underwater' beneath the spring's surface to watch the various fish and manatees swim about. "The park also features a variety of captive animals such as alligators, black bears, red wolf, Key deer, flamingos and whooping cranes and the oldest hippopotamus in captivity." Hours: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Cost: Adults, $13 Children 6-12: $5 Under 5: free Location: 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, Florida This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Hippopotamus Lu dies Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Florida
