via Florida State Parks
An era has passed, as one of Florida’s living icons has passed away. Lu the Hippo had been a long time resident at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where he lived among native panthers, manatees, and black bears. He was not a native species, of course, but he was an official resident of the state of Florida and had the residency permit to prove it. He was 65.
Born in 1960 at the San Diego Zoo, he was part of a group of hippos destined for the entertainment world. His break came when he was brought to the Ivan Tors Animal Actors troupe, which specialized in supplying trained animals for television and film. Lu appeared in several TV series during the 1960s, including Daktari and Cowboy in Africa. With his massive frame and unexpectedly expressive face as far as hippos go, he brought a unique presence to the screen.
But as the demand for animal actors faded and the studio business changed, Lu’s acting career ended. In 1964, he was moved to the Homosassa Springs attraction, which was then a private zoo and wildlife park. When the state of Florida purchased the land in 1984 to convert it into a state park focused on native species, Lu’s future was in question.
Photo: Charles Boyer
A Special Exception
State parks in Florida are typically reserved for native wildlife only, and hippos are obviously not part of Florida’s natural ecosystem. This posed a bureaucratic problem. But Lu wasn’t just any animal—by then, he had lived in Homosassa Springs for two decades. He had fans, routines, and a strong bond with the community. Residents loved him, and seeing Lu was a rite of passage for children visiting the area to spend time with family.
So in 1991, after public support poured in, then-Governor Lawton Chiles signed official papers designating Lu an “honorary citizen of Florida.” This legal status allowed him to stay at the park despite the rules. It was a rare move, and one that highlighted just how much Lu had become a beloved figure. The hippo who started life as a Hollywood extra became the only non-native animal to permanently reside in a Florida state park—with a governor’s blessing.
Daily Life in the Park
Lu lived a comfortable life in a spacious habitat at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. His enclosure featured a freshwater pool, mud wallows, shaded areas, and viewing platforms for visitors. He spends his days lounging in the water, occasionally grunting or blowing bubbles, and greeting park guests with what fans call his “hippo smile.”
Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
Park rangers provide Lu with a carefully managed diet of fruits, vegetables, grains, and hay. His health was closely monitored—no small task given his size and age. In fact, Lu was one of the oldest hippos in captivity. As a result Lu lived well past the average lifespan for hippos in the wild, which is around 40–50 years.
His caretakers attribute his longevity to several factors: consistent veterinary care, a stress-free environment, and a personality that makes him surprisingly cooperative for such a massive animal.
The Bigger Picture
Lu isn’t just a park resident—he was a symbol of continuity and nostalgia for generations of Floridians. Families who visited him as children now bring their own kids to see him. He’s inspired birthday parties, school projects, and even local art. On his birthday each January, the park held a celebration complete with treats and a cake made of fruit, which Lu devoured with enthusiasm.
He has his own fan club was been featured in travel guides, news stories, and even a few local songs. For many visitors, Lu is not just a curiosity; he’s the highlight of the park.
Lu’s story wasn’t just charming—it also sparked conversations about animal care, conservation, and our relationship with wildlife. As an exotic animal living in a native wildlife sanctuary, Lu was a walking (or wallowing) contradiction. But he also provides an opportunity for education.
Park staff used Lu’s story to teach visitors about hippopotamuses, African ecosystems, and the importance of ethical treatment of animals—especially those in captivity. They were honest about Lu’s origins in the entertainment industry and how times have changed.
By acknowledging that, the park doesn’t just celebrate Lu’s charm—it also contextualized his life within a broader narrative about changing human attitudes toward animals.
He will be missed.
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