US Edition
Homosassa Springs Beloved Hippo Dies at 65
- Lucifer, an African hippopotamus affectionately known as Lu, passed away peacefully on Sunday at the age of 65 at the wildlife park in Homosassa Springs, Florida, where he had lived for most of his life.
- Lu came to Homosassa Springs in 1964 when the park was privately owned and remained through state purchase in 1989 despite plans to remove non-native animals.
- Lu was declared an honorary Florida native by Governor Lawton Chiles and the Cabinet in 1991, becoming a beloved park fixture and star of 1960s films and TV shows.
- Officials said Lu touched millions with his gentle presence and large personality, inspiring empathy and stewardship across generations of visitors.
- State environmental officials intend to honor Lu with a memorial, celebrating him as a cherished symbol of the connection between humans and wildlife.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Lu, The Long-Beloved Hippo of Homosassa Springs, Dies at 65
Lu, the African hippopotamus who for decades served as an unlikely but beloved symbol of Florida wildlife, died Saturday at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park at the age of 65. Born at the San Diego Zoo on Jan. 26, 1960, Lu arrived at the Homosassa Springs attraction in 1964 after appearing in film and television productions through the Ivan Tors Animal Actors troupe. His credits included the 1960s television series “Daktari” a…
Lucifer, a famed Florida hippo beloved by generations, dies at 65
Citrus County mourns loss of beloved Lu the hippo
He was bigger than life. He was bigger than practically anything. And everyone in Citrus County knew Lu. Lucifer, an African hippopotamus who spent nearly his entire life in Homosassa, died Sunday at the age of 65. He was a longtime favorite of the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, where he had resided since age 4. “For over 60 years, Lu touched the lives of millions of visitors with a gentle presence and larger than life per…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 54% of the sources are Center
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
