Handling the remains of a 3,000- to 4,000-pound hippopotamus is not something Florida’s state park system typically does.

Lu the hippopotamus died June 8, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Lu had been at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park since 1964, and was 65 years old.

Lu the hippopotamus died June 8, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Lu had been at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park since 1964, and was 65 years old.

Lu the hippopotamus died June 8, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Lu had been at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park since 1964, and was 65 years old.

Lu, the beloved hippopotamus who spent decades at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, passed away Sunday at 65. Fri, 27 Jun 2025 01:58:11 GMT (1750989491759) Story Infinite Scroll ...

Lu was a wonderful hippopotamus who brought joy to many! Born at the San Diego Zoo on January 26, 1960, generations of visitors loved seeing him in Florida.

The hippo was 65. A special tribute area was established at the park on Monday where guests could leave messages. Lu came to Homosassa Springs in 1964 after being born at the San Diego Zoo in 1960.

Officials from Florida State Parks announced the death of Lu, a hippo who "touched the lives of millions" for over 60 years, on Sunday. Hundreds of comments flooded the announcement on social media.

Lu, the oldest known living hippopotamus in captivity, moved around his enclosure at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on January 17, 2019 in Homosassa, Florida. He died Sunday.

The hippo’s name was Lu, and he had just celebrated his 65th birthday on Friday. He was born in the San Diego Zoo and brought to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in 1964.