Lu the Hippo is an old Hollywood actor. Even though he’s retired, fans can still visit him at his Florida home and take photos of him!

If you’re not familiar with the 64-year-old bull hippopotamus, you can learn more about him in this article.

Then, add Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to your list of funroadside attractions in Florida you want to visit.

Lu the Hippo’s Younger Years

Lu was born in 1960 in San Diego and was originally an actor with Ivan Tors Animal Actors.

His full name is Lucifer, but everyone loves to call him Lu. His talent company relocated him to Homosassa Springs.

Here, Lu starred in Hollywood films, including “Cowboy in Africa” and “Daktari” and the TV shows “Art Linkletter Show” and the “Herb Alpert Special.”

In 1989, Lu faced eviction from his Homosassa Springs home.

The Florida Park Services took over the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and planned to move all non-native species out of the state. This included Lu since he was born in California.

Lu was so beloved and had become a staple of Homosassa that residents decided to take measures to keep him in the park.

Community members rallied together and sent a petition to the Governor of Florida at the time, Lawton Chiles.

Chiles agreed with the community of Homosassa, and even made Lu an honorary citizen! This means he can never be moved from Homosassa Springs, where excellent staff takes care of him.

Visiting Lu in Homosassa

Today, Lu spends his retirement days swimming, playing with toys, eating, and entertaining his visitors by living his best life!

If you visit him, Lu may call back to you if you yell his name at him! If he’s in a great mood, he may even do a somersault in the water for you!

Lu recently celebrated his 64th birthday (January 26th)! He is still the oldest living hippopotamus in North America.

His birthday “cake” consisted of watermelon, pumpkin, gourds, and two bucket-sized pieces of ice filled with berries.

If you’d like to visit Lu, make sure to check out visiting hours, and any closures atHomosassa Springs!

If you’re not near Homosassa, don’t worry! Lu is also very active on Facebook! Check out hisFacebook Page.

Learn more about Lu’s home in Crystal River:Swim With a Manatee and Experience Authentic Crystal River, the Soul of Florida

Want to explore other cool places in Florida, check out:

• Our Favorite Freshwater Florida Springs
• Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee
• Celebrating the History of Weeki Wachee Springs
• Cedar Key – A Small, Authentic, Old Florida City
• A Day Trip to Florida’s Kitschy Adventure Coast
• A Day at Silver Springs State Park

3 thoughts on “Our Favorite Homosassa Springs Resident: Lu the Hippo”

1. Can’t you get him another hippo? Why does he have to be alone.

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   • It would have to be a female as male hippos don’t get along and Lu is probably too old to be in big fights anymore. But I agree, get him a girlfriend.

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2. Hi, I visited Lu in his habitat recently and wanted to know if the area Lu was in was the only place he lived. Thank you.

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