The park plans to introduce a bull and females to create a family group, known as a hippo “bloat.”

The plan also includes indoor swimming pools for hippos, a classroom for educational lectures, behind-the-scenes tours and group tours.

Mr Askew added: “Our hippos were very popular with visitors and staff and we want to enable their return as part of our commitments to the conservation and education of this incredible species. »

Hippos were first introduced to the Safari Park in 1967, a year after it opened.

Mr Askew said if Longleat was able to bring back hippos they could play a “key role” in Europe’s vulnerable species breeding program as they could have the largest group of hippos in Europe.

“If we can get them back to Longleat, they will have access to the UK’s largest free-ranging aquatic habitat for hippos under human supervision and seven acres of pasture,” he said.

“Advances in hippo care mean we want to invest in upgrading available housing.”

Plans for the safari park were submitted to Wiltshire Council on Friday.