Longleat Safari Park's hippo Spot has died.

The 49-year-old mammal was a popular attraction for visitors as she enjoyed relaxing in the park's lake and had spent 47 years of her life housed in the environmental enclosure.

A spokesperson for Longleat said on Monday: "We are very sad to announce that last week we said goodbye to our hippo, Spot.

"She was loved by her keepers and made a big impression with our visitors.

The highlight of any trip to Longleat is the boat safari on Half Mile Lake, which offered the chance to glimpse Spot as she broke the surface of the water.

Spot shared Half Mile Lake with beavers, as well as sea lions and a variety of birds who would frequently use her as a rest stop or hitch a ride as she swam around the lake.

"She loved to be outside or in the lake, and could often been seen wallowing in the mud.

"Like all the animals at Longleat, Spot was very special.

"She was a firm favourite with keepers and visitors, and she will be deeply missed."