The Life and Legacy of Lu the Hippo

Florida lost one of its most beloved animal residents this month with the passing of Lu the Hippo, a longtime fixture at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. At 65 years old, Lu was not only the oldest hippopotamus in North America but also a treasured symbol of Florida’s evolving relationship with wildlife.

Born at the San Diego Zoo in 1960, Lu , short for Lucifer , arrived at Homosassa Springs in 1964 as part of Ivan Tors Animal Actors, a group of trained exotic animals that starred in television and film. Lu made appearances in shows like Daktari, Cowboy in Africa, and The Art Linkletter Show, according to the Florida State Parks.

When the park transitioned to state management in the late 1980s, a new mission centered around native species and wildlife rehabilitation was introduced. That meant finding new homes for exotic animals, all except Lu. No facility could accommodate a 3,500-pound, semi-celebrity hippo who had grown into a community favorite. So in 1991, then-Governor Lawton Chiles made an unusual move: he declared Lu an honorary citizen of Florida, allowing him to stay at the park permanently.

Over the decades, Lu greeted generations of visitors with his hefty presence and surprisingly gentle demeanor. His pen, marked by a playful “Splash Zone” sign, became one of the park’s most photographed features. Officials noted that Lu’s personality and fame helped educate the public about animals and sparked conversations about conservation.

His passing on June 8, 2025, was peaceful, according to park staff. “More than a park resident, Lu was an icon and a symbol of the special bond between people and wildlife,” Florida State Parks said in a statement.

Plans are underway for a memorial to honor Lu’s unique legacy. While his life may have started under the spotlight of Hollywood, it was the quiet, daily joy he brought to visitors in Homosassa that made him a legend. In a state where nature and nostalgia often intertwine, Lu the Hippo will not be forgotten.