Longleat Safari & Adventure Park Longleat Safari Park 2025
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cerperal
Well-Known Member
The house-side of the lake is hippo-proof from steel plates along most of the bank, and the original building forming a wall the end towards the house. There's also the railway line and the weir that form barriers they can't climb over.
The other side of the bank (the far side, I suppose) where they have access to the grazing spots has some well hidden electric fences and banks that are either too vertical or too full of trees for a hippo to climb up. Further down the lake is obviously the sea lion infrastructure and then the gorillas, both of which the hippos can't access. However I would be surprised if they hadn't modified this due to the new hippos obviously being far younger and more mobile than Spot and Sonia
Many thanks for that full explanation. I knew some parts of the lake had vertical-type banks but that it wasn't all of it. I suspect over time the two old females were well-habituated to their regime and knew the lake layout too. They may have to teach the new ones similar as I believe the plan is to give them full access to the lake also- it is/was one of Longleat's unique attractions after all.
Seeing how the Whipsnade pair adapt to the sealions is going to be interesting to see!
We may disapprove of them leaving Whipsnade but I wouldn't mind seeing them being given the freedom of the Lake for the first time...
There isn’t a better hippo enclosure on the planet. You can dispute it’s value as an exhibit, but as an enclosure it’s utterly superb.
For a long time on this forum it was perceived wisdom that Longleat wouldn’t continue with hippos in the current setup due to the sea lions. I’m delighted to hear that isn’t the case, despite my despair about Whipsnade.
I kind of wish they would send Hoover from Flamingo Park down to rejoin Lola so they could perhaps breed from her again at Longleat. Leaving Hodor at Whipsnade with a fresh partner. But of course that goes against the set plan to go out of them. Have to say the only species at Whipsnade that I would be more upset about if they left, would be the Indian rhinos.
Undoubtedly an almost immeasurable upgrade for the hippos in terms of exhibit.
Certainly not an upgrade from visitor viewing though…No access to house previously and presume that will be the same this time if development is on the site of the old house.
So likely just a passing glimpse from the boat sadly.
Not a complaint; as the quality for the hippos is simply brilliant. but there isn’t anywhere in the UK now you can get, reliable, prolonged, close, views of commons which is a shame.
Given Lola and son are used to being fed and pet by the public in experiences at whipsnade I would imagine it won’t be long before a VIP hippo experience is offered at longleat as that seems to be a key part of the business model there.
Whilst they may be habituated to experiences i wonder how easy it would be to coax them out of their lovely new lake!
looking forward to visiting them in the summer.
Certainly not an upgrade from visitor viewing though…No access to house previously and presume that will be the same this time if development is on the site of the old house.
So likely just a passing glimpse from the boat sadly.
Not a complaint; as the quality for the hippos is simply brilliant. but there isn’t anywhere in the UK now you can get, reliable, prolonged, close, views of commons which is a shame.
Given Lola and son are used to being fed and pet by the public in experiences at whipsnade I would imagine it won’t be long before a VIP hippo experience is offered at longleat as that seems to be a key part of the business model there.
Whilst they may be habituated to experiences i wonder how easy it would be to coax them out of their lovely new lake!
looking forward to visiting them in the summer.
I suspect that once they have access to the Lake, if that is the plan, that they will change their habits somewhat and be less willing than before perhaps to leave the water. Probably depends on how hungry they are? Last year I watched a keeper at Whipsnade trying to lure them out of the water with cabbages- according to the recent video supposedly their favourite food-but they showed no interest at all and didn't budge.
As to the viewing at Longleat, it's indeed a pity that there is no time to see or study either hippos or gorillas at length, or have any access to indoor quarters unless you pay through the nose for 'experiences'. Otherwise it's only briefly from those boats. That is the 'safari park' style though, the casual tourism approach.
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Nevermind the sealions, what about the boats?
cerperal
Well-Known Member
RE the hippos: we have to remember that for the best part of 25 years, the hippos at Longleat were effectively retired and hence spent most of their lives as the angriest buoys in the world, bobbing at the edge of the lake. Previously (and I have to admit this is entirely from being told this and seeing older footage) the hippos were far more active, especially with the old breeding pod, and spent far more time both in the grazing paddocks and interacting with each other in the lake. I'm willing to wager that, especially with the personalities of Hodor and Lola, this new pod will harken back to that behaviour and be far more active and generally interesting to watch. Hodor especially, given he still has an obsession for chasing ducks around.
Probably my favourite thing about the hippos at Whipsnade was I always saw them, and saw them close. Maybe it was just luck but they were always snoozing on the concrete or in the house, which as others have said will soon be an experience missing from the UK. But I also think the Longleat boat ride is probably the finest single attraction in any zoo in the UK on experience alone, and even though Spot and Sonia were only ever grey-brown lumps with the occasion egret on top on my many visits I have to admit there's something about the experience that still makes it my favourite hippo experience in any zoo.
I may be misremembering but the initial news about the new hippo complex seemed to very much suggest, if not directly state, that they intend to make it public-accessible in the future. Certainly it would make for a good extra part of the safari section, and potentially give access to the gorillas at the same time. As @Skukuza says there's not a chance they don't introduce a meet the hippos experience at some point as well.
Probably my favourite thing about the hippos at Whipsnade was I always saw them, and saw them close. Maybe it was just luck but they were always snoozing on the concrete or in the house, which as others have said will soon be an experience missing from the UK. But I also think the Longleat boat ride is probably the finest single attraction in any zoo in the UK on experience alone, and even though Spot and Sonia were only ever grey-brown lumps with the occasion egret on top on my many visits I have to admit there's something about the experience that still makes it my favourite hippo experience in any zoo.
I may be misremembering but the initial news about the new hippo complex seemed to very much suggest, if not directly state, that they intend to make it public-accessible in the future. Certainly it would make for a good extra part of the safari section, and potentially give access to the gorillas at the same time. As @Skukuza says there's not a chance they don't introduce a meet the hippos experience at some point as well.
Knowing Hodor, it'll take a few weeks and quite a few inquisitive bumps before he realises fish heads aren't hippo food and the boat isn't there to feed them
Kalaw
Well-Known Member
Aren't there allegedly some serious issues with the stables not being sufficient enough to care for the hippos in winter when the lake itself is too cold. I am aware that these stables are offshow, but I have seen comments on this site in the past which seems to suggest people who have seen the stables in person noticed a few issues. Certainly where I have seen this issue discussed on older threads, more knowledgeable members than myself have wagered that the Whipsnade enclosure is superior as a result.
That said, the ZSL article about the hippos' departure alludes to changes at Longleat, possibly (hopefully) including the indoor holdings, and it seems as though the zoos themselves believe that the Whipsnade stables aren't much better. Not trying to suggest that the Whipsnade enclosure is objectively better, but just reminding people that the onshow areas of Longleat aren't necessarily the complete package.
On the topic of containing the hippos, I understand the use of steel plates to cover up some banks, but I struggle somewhat to see how the area around the jetty itself, shown below in an image by @Maguari , is protected. Looking at the grass patches on either side, I find it hard to believe that a hippo can't haul itself into the land.
Lafone
Well-Known Member
Aren't there allegedly some serious issues with the stables not being sufficient enough to care for the hippos in winter when the lake itself is too cold. I am aware that these stables are offshow, but I have seen comments on this site in the past which seems to suggest people who have seen the stables in person noticed a few issues. Certainly where I have seen this issue discussed on older threads, more knowledgeable members than myself have wagered that the Whipsnade enclosure is superior as a result.
That said, the ZSL article about the hippos' departure alludes to changes at Longleat, possibly (hopefully) including the indoor holdings, and it seems as though the zoos themselves believe that the Whipsnade stables aren't much better. Not trying to suggest that the Whipsnade enclosure is objectively better, but just reminding people that the onshow areas of Longleat aren't necessarily the complete package.
On the topic of containing the hippos, I understand the use of steel plates to cover up some banks, but I struggle somewhat to see how the area around the jetty itself, shown below in an image by @Maguari , is protected. Looking at the grass patches on either side, I find it hard to believe that a hippo can't haul itself into the land.
The approved plans appear to intend to make extensive improvements to the housing, which as you say must be needed to create the next level facility they are talking about. It also details changes to the pond and sealion pontoons etc.
https://www.longleat.co.uk/news/hip,-hip,-hippo-ray!
The planning application submitted in November asked Wiltshire county council for permission to build a new hippo house on the site of the existing structure as well as make improvements to the grazing paddock and Half Mile Pond. It will also feature indoor pools for the hippos and a classroom for educational talks, behind the scenes tours and group visits.
I believe the accommodation is being refurbished from what I have read on this site.Aren't there allegedly some serious issues with the stables not being sufficient enough to care for the hippos in winter when the lake itself is too cold. I am aware that these stables are offshow, but I have seen comments on this site in the past which seems to suggest people who have seen the stables in person noticed a few issues. Certainly where I have seen this issue discussed on older threads, more knowledgeable members than myself have wagered that the Whipsnade enclosure is superior as a result.
That said, the ZSL article about the hippos' departure alludes to changes at Longleat, possibly (hopefully) including the indoor holdings, and it seems as though the zoos themselves believe that the Whipsnade stables aren't much better. Not trying to suggest that the Whipsnade enclosure is objectively better, but just reminding people that the onshow areas of Longleat aren't necessarily the complete package.
On the topic of containing the hippos, I understand the use of steel plates to cover up some banks, but I struggle somewhat to see how the area around the jetty itself, shown below in an image by @Maguari , is protected. Looking at the grass patches on either side, I find it hard to believe that a hippo can't haul itself into the land.
The indoor accommodation at whipsnade was fairly basic to my mind… small pool, tiny land area etc (I believe there was also a third off exhibit pool and holding but can’t imagine this being particularly vast). I haven’t seen the longleat indoor accommodation myself so hard to compare but a relatively low threshold for me… so long as it is suitably weatherproofed.
Presumably whatever is constructed wouldn’t include an indoor pool to incentivise the hippos to actually go in the lake and be on exhibit… who knows. **edit. Cross posted with @Lafone and plans DO include an indoor pool so that will be interesting…**
My comment quoted was more about size of lake, grazing area, capacity/potential to form a large bloat, privacy from public when desired etc etc.
yes I have myself stood on that jetty and wondered what barrier there is. Presumably it is depth of water acting like a ha-ha keeping hippos at bay. Well that and the desire to not be squished by a boat.
some really interesting stuff in that link.
the design statement in particular;
- stated intention to begin with a 1:2 group so watch this space for another female arriving.
- capacity for 8 hippos
- hard standing area for vip experiences
Clearly some considerable investment! Much more than I envisaged certainly.
Rajang-GOAT
Well-Known Member
Aren't there allegedly some serious issues with the stables not being sufficient enough to care for the hippos in winter when the lake itself is too cold. I am aware that these stables are offshow, but I have seen comments on this site in the past which seems to suggest people who have seen the stables in person noticed a few issues. Certainly where I have seen this issue discussed on older threads, more knowledgeable members than myself have wagered that the Whipsnade enclosure is superior as a result.
That said, the ZSL article about the hippos' departure alludes to changes at Longleat, possibly (hopefully) including the indoor holdings, and it seems as though the zoos themselves believe that the Whipsnade stables aren't much better. Not trying to suggest that the Whipsnade enclosure is objectively better, but just reminding people that the onshow areas of Longleat aren't necessarily the complete package.
On the topic of containing the hippos, I understand the use of steel plates to cover up some banks, but I struggle somewhat to see how the area around the jetty itself, shown below in an image by @Maguari , is protected. Looking at the grass patches on either side, I find it hard to believe that a hippo can't haul itself into the land.
As said above, these big new plans for the (on land) hippo facilities are from what it seems the main reason why hippos are returning, and why they have a breeding recommendation to bring in Hodor and multiple new females. They have been a big talking point (and rightfully so) since they arose, and it is good to see Longleat carrying out a big investment like this, and getting it done so quickly (as is the plan)!
Looking at the plans they seem really impressive, especially the massive size of the grazing 'reserves'. 8 isn't a massive number of hippos (maybe I'm being a bit unappreciative/ungrateful here) but it still shows potential for a good sized group, and is much higher than any current UK holders have (WMSP have 4 females).
Edit: On closer inspection I'm guessing at least some of that grazing space is going to be retained from before, however that doesn't change that this will be a great home for a flourishing breeding pod. They should get good publicity from this and as it stands it will be the main aspect I will be looking forward to seeing on Animal Park, especially as I'm currently not planning on visiting again anytime soon.
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cerperal
Well-Known Member
Forgot to mention the rather important electric fence in my original comment. It's fine wire and angled backwards so you can't quite make it out here, but there is one there (the sign warning about it is, however, visible). The fence wasn't actually installed for the hippos but to stop the sea lions causing shenanigans, and the same sort of fence is fitted to the monkey's island.On the topic of containing the hippos, I understand the use of steel plates to cover up some banks, but I struggle somewhat to see how the area around the jetty itself, shown below in an image by @Maguari , is protected. Looking at the grass patches on either side, I find it hard to believe that a hippo can't haul itself into the land.
I would hazard that stretch of lake is regardless too deep for the hippos anyway, and with both boats moored there overnight even if they wanted to haul themselves up the route would be blocked.
Yes, the main grazing field next to the lake is going to be relatively untouched. The only real changes are being made to the sea lion jetty and the (currently) off-show housing for the hippos. They always had access to a huge area, but as probably could be expected stuck to the lake and occasionally that main field. Hopefully with a bigger pod, younger individuals and more specialist land area we'll see them out of the water slightly more often
Aren't there allegedly some serious issues with the stables not being sufficient enough to care for the hippos in winter when the lake itself is too cold. I am aware that these stables are offshow, but I have seen comments on this site in the past which seems to suggest people who have seen the stables in person noticed a few issues. Certainly where I have seen this issue discussed on older threads, more knowledgeable members than myself have wagered that the Whipsnade enclosure is superior as a result.
That said, the ZSL article about the hippos' departure alludes to changes at Longleat, possibly (hopefully) including the indoor holdings, and it seems as though the zoos themselves believe that the Whipsnade stables aren't much better. Not trying to suggest that the Whipsnade enclosure is objectively better, but just reminding people that the onshow areas of Longleat aren't necessarily the complete package.
On the topic of containing the hippos, I understand the use of steel plates to cover up some banks, but I struggle somewhat to see how the area around the jetty itself, shown below in an image by @Maguari , is protected. Looking at the grass patches on either side, I find it hard to believe that a hippo can't haul itself into the land.
I think questions regarding there indoor housing is fair, but given the fact longlete are swimming with cash, I suspect they’re going to be making significant improvements before the whipsnade hippos arrive.
If anybody has some actual info on this it would be appreciated