Veteran Longleat resident, Sonia the hippo, dies

One of Longleat Safari Park's oldest residents has passed away.

Keepers say Sonia, the hippopotamus, died peacefully today (Monday 24th April) at the age of almost 50.

She had been living in the Half Mile Lake at the Wiltshire attraction since 1976, having moved in aged just three.

In a social media post, Longleat say Sonia also 'made history' in more recent times, becoming the 'first hippo to share UK waters with beavers in 100,000 years'.

The hippos, along with the sea lions, are popular draws at the park, with visitors taking the boat ride to see them across the day.

Longleat said:

"(Sonia) will be missed by her devoted keepers, some of whom have been with her for more than 40 years. Fellow hippo, Spot, is doing fine, with our animal team’s support."

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