America’s Oldest and Most Beloved Hippo Dies in Florida
Last night the Florida State Parks announced the passing of Lu the hippopotamus, a cherished resident of Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for more than six decades.
The post stated that Lu, who recently celebrated his 65th birthday, was more than just a longtime inhabitant of the park — he was a living legend. With his gentle demeanor and charismatic presence, Lu became a beloved fixture, capturing the hearts of millions of visitors and serving as a powerful symbol of the bond between humans and wildlife.
Originally part of a traveling animal show, Lu was granted special Florida citizenship in 1991 to allow him to remain at the park. Over the years, he became a true icon in the state’s wildlife community. He was even a movie star that appeared in several movies including Cowboy in Africa and Daktari.
The Florida State Parks post is below:
