Longleat bury hippo house time capsule for 'people of the future'

A postcard to “people of the future” from John, Viscount Weymouth and his brother Lord Henry Thynn sealed a time capsule marking the build of a new hippo complex at Longleat in Wiltshire.

The young boys’ parents Lord and Lady Bath buried two time capsules in the floor of a new classroom where it will remain for around a century or more. 

The event was attended by keepers along with Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, Mayor of Warminster, Cllr Andrew Cooper, Chair of Horningsham Parish Council, Liz Glover, pupils from Horningsham Primary School and residents from Henford House Care & Nursing Home in Warminster, who all contributed to the contents of the capsule. 

The estate welcomed mother and son, Lola and Hodor, and sisters Matylda and Manon at the end of June, and the hippos are settling into their new home, already dubbed by many as the Hippodrome. 

Lord Bath said: “The burying of the time capsule was a wonderful community event and Emma and I were delighted at the response from local people who contacted us with ideas for what should be included. 

“As well as guidebooks on Longleat, we had documents capturing the memories of local people plus drawings and letters to the future keepers of Longleat which we hope will give an insight into the workings of the House and the Safari Park in 2025. 

“A book signed by naturalist and TV presenter Steve Backshall, who was with us in half term, and episodes from the long-running BBC series Animal Park which is filmed at Longleat were also included. 

“We also ensured there is a photograph of hippos Spot and Sonia in the container who were much-loved and whose passing was missed by so many. 

“My grandfather first brought hippos to Longleat in 1967, a year after he opened the safari park which was the first to open outside of Africa. The creation of this complex and welcoming a breeding pod is building on that legacy.” 

Lady Bath added: "We hope the time capsule will be opened in the future on another milestone or anniversary, perhaps when the Safari Park is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2066 or perhaps the hippo house in 2125 but that will be a decision for our descendants. 

“For now, the hippos are already being spotted in the outdoor pool by guests experiencing our Jungle Cruise on Half Mile Pond and we look forward to seeing them in Half Mile Pond in the near future.” 

Simon Askew, Chief Operating Officer, said: “The time capsule is a key milestone as we celebrate an important chapter in Longleat’s commitment to conservation, sustainability and education and this complex ensures we continue to be at the forefront of protecting vulnerable and rare species. 

“Longleat is a national family attraction which has always been part of its local community with many staff living in the local area; this event brought everyone together to celebrate a new chapter in hippo care.  The time capsule was an opportunity to connect generations now and in the future.”