New Antelope Species Arrives at Longleat

Monday, 2 November 2026 at 13:24

A new species has arrived at Longleat as part of the 60th anniversary year of the Wiltshire Drive-Through Safari.

The 12 southern lechwe can be spotted exploring Bongo Pass – just past the entrance to the safari, which was the first drive-through to open outside of Africa in 1966.

Often known as southern or red lechwe, they are an antelope species native to the wetlands of south-central Africa.

The new herd consists of 12 girls, who are settling into their new home.

Amy Waller, Team Manager for Safari, said, "We welcomed the lechwe a couple of weeks ago, and they are settling in fantastically.

"They've joined our common eland in Bongo Pass, the first area you reach when entering the Drive-Through Safari."

Lechwe have adapted to have longer hind legs than other antelope species, which helps them run long distances and jump on marshy grounds. They also have wider splayed hooves to prevent them from sinking in mud.

Guests can now see the lechwe on the Drive-Through Safari, including during the Festival of Light, which begins Saturday 7 November. To find out more and to book tickets, visit longleat.co.uk

More from Local News

St Aldhelm Cross Recipients Recognised for Exceptional Service Church Life

Six people from across the Diocese of Salisbury were presented with the Cross of St Aldhelm at a service in Salisbury Cathedral over the weekend.
Wiltshire Local Plan passes first important milestone

Work to prepare the new Wiltshire Local Plan has reached an important milestone, with Wiltshire Council passing through ‘Gateway 1’ in the new plan-making process.
MOD and Trail Riders Fellowship collaborate to promote safe access to Salisbury Plain Training Area

The Ministry of Defence is working with a new partner on its Respect the Range campaign to raise awareness of safe, responsible access to military training areas.
Wiltshire Council Highlight Progress and Work Ahead to Tackle Challenges

Wiltshire Council has published an annual report on its Our Wiltshire Plan, highlighting the progress it says it has made over the past year, the difference it is making across the county, and the challenges that remain.
PCC Annual Report highlights progress in Making Wiltshire Safer

Improved emergency response times, increased neighbourhood policing and continued investment in supporting victims and safer communities are among the progress highlighted in Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson’s Annual Report for 2025/26.
Man Indecently Exposures Himself on Wilton Road

Police in Salisbury are looking for witnesses after a man indecently exposed himself outside of the Tesco Express on Wilton Road.
18 arrests made during week of action targeting organised immigration crime

Eighteen arrests were made, and 33 businesses were visited in Wiltshire as part of a national operation targeting organised immigration crime.
Salisbury City Council unveils its 2026 festive events programme

We are invited to celebrate the festive season with Salisbury City Council and enjoy all that Salisbury has to offer!