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” and “Cowboy in Africa,” as well as appearances on “The Art Linkletter Show” and “The Herb Alpert Special.”

“For over 60 years, Lu touched the lives of millions of visitors with his gentle presence and larger-than-life personality. More than a park resident, Lu was an icon and a symbol of the special bond between people and wildlife. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” The Florida State Parks said in a Facebook post announcing Lu’s death.

When the Florida Park Service took over the facility in 1989, its mission to focus exclusively on native wildlife placed Lu’s residency in question. In response, then-Gov. Lawton Chiles granted Lu honorary Florida citizenship in 1991, allowing him to remain at the park. He became the only non-native species officially permitted to stay, a designation that elevated his status as a fixture of the community.

State officials said Lu died peacefully on June 8. A memorial will be placed at the park to honor his life and legacy.