Challenge Accepted

Dear friends of ours recently moved to Myanmar. I claimed in my post: Masterpiece from Myanmar, to have the only hippo themed art piece of this country.  I immediately challenged them, to prove me wrong. And the challenge was excepted. I did not expect to receive a reaction within a day. A photograph of a hippo, to be seen on a card set for early childhood learning. My friend spotted it, while at a workshop, in an exhibition of learning materials used in the country. Of course, I told my friend he was cheating (not good at losing that quickly :-)), so the challenge was rephrased a bit... The first piece of hippo art, that he can hold and buy at a local shop or market. I don't know if that will cover it, but since I did not receive a message yet, I believe this to be the real challenge. Dear Paul, thank you so much for thinking about me. We did not have the chance to meet in Hippo Heaven (Tanzania), but we will meet someday, somewhere... I am sure! Missing you and Didi very much. HHHLL

Google Translate: English to Burmese (Mayanmar) 

Hippopotamus = ရေကြံ့ကောင် /  Ray Kyaan Kaung

Tutu Terry Two Hundred

A little celebration today, as this will be the 200th post published on this blog. I could not have imagined it still being here, after starting it in 2011 as a personal archive. Just to record the hippos already in my collection, and to keep track of new additions. A hippo sized thank you to all my loyal followers and a warm welcome to the bloat to those who just found Happy Hippo Lien!

I know there are some people who never leave their home without their hippo companion. I only bring one occasionally. But some days are just not complete without some hippo fun (meaning: not to miss the opportunity to freak out your teen and pre-teen kids). So on this sunny and breezy summer's day, Tutu Terry (see post: Terry) joined us. Having a picnic in Battery Park (New York - USA), strolling along the Hudson River and enjoying the views on Lady Liberty and the Freedom Tower. A Hippo-Terry-fic day indeed!

Lipper & Mann

When our family roams around at flea markets, we never stay close to each other for long. Not because we do not enjoy each other's company, but because we are all looking for different things. When it comes to hippos, they are spotted by every member of the family, no matter where we are. So when I told them (on our way back home) I bought this Lipper & Mann figurine, made in Japan, they told me they had seen it, but thought I would not like it, because it looked dirty and a bit scary. As every hippo lover knows, sometimes you need to look past the mud to see the beauty! So I decided to take it home and give it a gentle foam bath and the result: a sparkling clean and happy hippo. I am not sure if it stays in my collection, but I could not constrain myself. Such a huge amount of hippo happiness for only USD 1,- can't be beaten easily :-).

Scrapbook Hippos

A few days ago, an "Estate Sale" was announced on a local FB Moms page. As a flea market, thrift shop and Goodwill store enthusiast, it is needless to say I did not know how fast to get there... Often times the items are priced well above my price range, but to be able to enjoy a rare opportunity to see the inside of beautiful houses is always well worth the trip. And of course, once in a while, you bump into a beautiful item, you did not know you needed until then :-). Like this huge pile of scrapbook pictures, hidden in very old, ugly looking brown envelopes on a side table.

When I was young, it was a very popular hobby to collect scrapbook pictures and trade any "doubles". Seeing all those pictures made me a bit nostalgic, so just for the fun of it, I bought the whole lot. When I came home, I sorted them, and of course, took a closer look. I found many very old ones, from the 1930s and 1940s. Many of them in excellent condition. There were a lot of "series" of Disney characters, angels, father Christmas, flowers and yes... animals too. And to my surprise, I found 3 hippo ones. A little treasure in a treasure!


They are measured about 3 inches by 2 inches, which is 7,5 cm by 5 cm. On one is written: Flodhast, which means hippo in Swedish.

Polyvore Hippo

It was probably during one of those "internet-hippo-hunts" that made me stumble upon this item. The moment I saw its picture, I fell in love. I could see it on my desk, filled with colorful pens and pencils. Unfortunately, the space of the hippo head is too deep (or my pens and pencils too short). I will have to put something inside, so everything sticks out, like on the picture, to be grabbed easily. For the time being, it is decorating a shelf above my desk, keeping some hippo friends company. I have not decided yet what to do, as it found its perfect spot. Maybe I will have to find another hippo-pen-and-pencil-holder.... :-).

Picture and description below can be found at www.polyvore.com 

IMM Living The King's Subjects Porcelain

Animals might roam the plains of Africa, but this hippopotamus container is yours to place wherever you like. From imm Living's King's Subjects collection, the exotic hippopotamus and his avian companion is the inspiration for this irreverent Porcelain Hippopotamus Container, its mouth open wide to hold a bouquet, art supplies, or assorted odds and ends. The bright white porcelain is contrasted with a salmon-colored bird perched atop its snout. When you can't vacation to see them in the wild, bring a little imm Living hippopotamus container into your own habitat. Made of white porcelain. 5"W x 6.5" D x 8" H. Designed by Michael Revil Madjus. The Porcelain Hippopotamus Container is part of the King's Subjects collection.

Wire Hippo

On the path through Central Park, towards the Central Park Zoo, New York, you can find many vendors and artists. It is also one of my favorite places to sit on one of the many benches and watch people. Groups of tourists following a flag or umbrella, with visible stress: Do I take the time to take that picture, but what if I loose the group? Mothers pleading desperately "Sweety, could you please try not to smear the ice cream all over you?" Some, multitasking. What could be better than enjoying a cold drink while having your portrait drawn? And you can have your name made out of a long piece bright colored wire, by a young man. I think he is from China and speaks only a few words of English. Hippo???? Luckily I was wearing a bright pink polo shirt with an embroidered hippo on it. So I pointed to myself... HIPPO! PINK! PLEASE! I had to laugh.... my daughters tried to look not too embarrassed. When he showed the end result, I was pleasantly surprised.... The heart was his idea, and I suspect he did not make a hippo before, but he did a great job. I might go back to order a few more!

Very Very Sorry Hippo

In my post: James, I already told the story about my husband missing his flight in Zimbabwe, and because of that, missing my birthday. He bought James the next day because he felt so sorry. Actually, he already bought an "I-am-very-very-sorry-hippo" before he saw James. He was at a local market with a colleague. The news that this foreigner was only interested in hippos, spread like a wildfire. Before he knew he was surrounded by everything hippo available. "A very efficient way of shopping", my husband joked later. So he bought this big guy (length about 14 inches or 35,5 cm). A large hippo, because he was very very sorry.... Then he went to another market and bumped into James, and had to get him too, as he liked him very much. Of course, I was already happy because he was back home, safe and well. The fact that he brought a few extra friends was a huge bonus!

Happy Hippo Mom

Figurines of sleeping hippos are my favorite. Thinking about it for a while, I think hippo moms with their baby are my second favorite. I believe that is why, when I saw this ceramic beauty on E-bay, I just could not help myself. I bought this about two years ago, I forgot whether I just bought it, or bid on it. It says K (Kitty) Cantrell on the mom's belly. One little sticker: made in China and another sticker: Elsa's Safari. I think it refers to Elsa's Safari Collection, but I am not sure. It just makes me happy, seeing these faces. How can you not love hippos?

Auburn-Jewelry

A few days ago, I was mentioned in a post on Facebook. A dear friend was so kind to bring something "hippo" to my attention. A lovely local jewelry store promoting their newest collection. Hippo and pink... how could I ever not love that? A pendant with a hippo footprint is already part of their collection for a long time. Several friends already pointed this out. I just had not gotten around to get myself one, but it had always been on my mind. I think I will have to come up with an excuse to give myself a nice present. Please, check out their lovely website Auburn-Jewelry. And if you are not into hippos that much, I am sure you will find something else to your liking as their designs and products are absolutely beautiful.

Topsy-Turvy

Topsy-turvy is another word for upside down. The first time I saw topsy-turvy on a label, I thought it was part of the name of the product or brand. Another addition to my list of favorite Englis words and expressions. Two years ago, I found the first mug on the yearly Christmas market at Bryant's Park in New York City. Luckily they had two, so I bought them both. One, for daily use and one for my collection. I have several hippo mugs, but this was the first upside down one! Then, a huge Christmas Store opened on 5th Av. Seeing the sales signs, I could not help myself. I went inside and immediately bumped into a whole topsy-turvy-hippo-bloat! I enjoyed using mine so much. I knew they would make a perfect gift for any hippo collector... and I happen to know so many. So, I got all of them. These mugs are certainly not shot-glass size, but the same rule applies when drinking from them: Bottoms Up!

Napco

It is not only better temperatures, blossoms and baby animals that make me happy about springtime but also the fact that the open-air-flea-market-season has started too. Flea markets and thrift stores are, as every collector knows, perfect hunting grounds. There happens to be thrift / consignment store in the small town where I live. I do have an account there, so I can bring in things for them to sell. The reality is that I bring more things home from that store than I bring to it. Of course, I am always on the lookout for hippos but never saw one. Until a few days ago. Casually walking by the window, and there it was.... a hippo. The sticker on it was a bit damaged, but I could read: Napcoware. Internet gave me the rest of the information. It is a vintage crystal hippo from Napcoware, made in Taiwan. Another first. A first hippo from the local thrift store, price USD 3. A very successful hunt indeed! 

De Rosa Collection

Not often do I meet people from Uruguay. I have the privilege of knowing two, both extremely nice and both... totally unaware of the beautiful artwork a fellow countryman is producing and selling all over the world. Of course, I am only interested in the hippos of the De Rosa Collection, but I have to admit, I love all the other animals he makes, very much too. 

A few years ago, I found the small brown baby hippo on E-bay. At that time, I did not know it was part of a set. One of my collector friends sent me the link to the brown mother for sale on E-bay also, which I had to snatch up too (yes Becky, your fault :-)). Then my dear friend Sheila gave me a mini hippo for Christmas (see post: De Rosa) ... and then I needed an excuse to get the blue set, which I had seen on the website of the company (derosacollections), and already fallen in love with, for a while. After I ordered the set, I told everybody it was a gift from my cats... Happy birthday to me! I blame the company... their beautiful products make you do crazy things. My photographs can give you an idea about the level of craftsmanship... but they can't really convey how nice it is to hold them. They are rather heavy and have a really nice feel to them. No, I am not holding my hippos in my hands all the time, but it certainly does contribute to their popularity. They are all immensely popular :-).

 

Priceless

Hearing parents ooh and aah to their children, when presented with a few scribbles and smudges on a piece of paper, would make me slightly doubt their sanity and definitely their artistic taste. Of course, becoming a parent changed all that, and I too believe my children are gifted artists and they always produce nothing less than masterpieces. So when they decorated a wooden hippo, made by their grandfather (a real family project), and put it under the Christmas tree, it was the most beautiful gift they could have given me. For those of you (not related and not biased), liking this masterpiece, I have good news and bad news. The bad news is, this piece will never be for sale, so it can only be enjoyed when you visit me or on this blog. The good news is that your artistic taste is excellent :-).

Splat

It took a little debating with myself, whether to call this post: Patrick Mavros, after the Zimbabwean designer and silversmith, or Splat. Splat is the official name of this silver hippo necklace. I found Splat to be better fitting but also more fun so, Splat it is! Patrick Mavros' work is being sold in stores located in Harare - Zimbabwe, Terre Rouge - Mauritius and Nairobi - Kenya. His flagship store can be found in London - UK. More information can be found on his wonderfully designed website: www.patrickmavros.com. Of course, it goes without saying, I love his Hippo Collection most, but every piece is absolutely beautiful. Dear Alex, thank you so much for spoiling me with another perfect birthday gift. I love you infinity, I win! 

Hot Hippo

Last year, my parents in law visited "De Kaarsenmakerij", what would translate into "The candle makers store" in a historic town in The Netherlands, called Buren. Much to their delight, they came upon this beautifully hand crafted candle. Since they have known me already for a long time, they are always on the look out for hippos. The internet has made it easier to find hippos on line, but the occasions where you bump into one in a store or at a market, are still rather rare. Their story about their excitement sounded all too familiar, and still makes me smile. It was a perfect Christmas present, lighting up the occasion. But, I feel any day would be a little brighter with a lighted hippo :-).

James

Actually, the real name for the newest addition to my collection should have been: I-am-very-very-sorry-I-missed-your-birthday-hippo. My husband had to travel for work to Zimbabwe. Needless to say, he had to bring back a hippo (or two). He would be away in the week before my birthday, but arrive the morning of my birthday, in time to join for a birthday lunch or dinner. The office in Zimbabwe had planned a meeting around 4pm on departure day. My husband said that he could not make it because he thought he had to fly at 5pm.

Not to worry, the staff assured him. They checked and his flight was leaving at 9:30pm, more than enough time and he didn't bother to double check himself... So the work continued.... and while in the taxi at 7pm, on the way to the airport in Harare, my husband took a closer look at his ticket... only to find out that his flight was indeed leaving at 9:30pm..... his connecting flight at Johannesburg. He should have been on the 5pm flight out of Zimbabwe to be able to catch that flight in South Africa. So he had to turn around, and rebook his tickets and stay another day. Leaving him with enough time to buy an "I-am-very-sorry-hippo". While looking at this hippo, I thought he looks a bit like our cat... grey, little bit overweight and very cute... so, therefore he is named after him.

Kiss the Cook

For a very long time, I did not know about the existence of Hippo-Christmas-Tree-Ornaments. When I started collecting hippos, it was difficult to find anything hippo... let alone in the form of a Christmas tree ornament. A lot has changed since then. Now, I own several very pretty ones. Last year Christmas, another one found its way to me. It combines many things I love: hippos, Christmas and cooking. Dear Sheila, thank you so much for arranging the perfect gift. At the moment it is safely stored, together with all the other Christmas decorations. I will have to wait till Christmas, to see it again.... or I can just look at this post on my blog. Just looking at this picture makes me smile... who wouldn't want to kiss this cook? 

Angus

It is astonishing and sometimes intriguing how some of the additions to my collection were able to find their way to me. I am sure, every collector has one or more of those stories to tell. A few of mine can be found on this blog. No better way to start, after a long winter break, with adding another, rather amazing one. 

About five years ago, I helped a friend out by taking a few photographs for him. My negotiated fee: coffee and hippos. No joke and no surprise to those of you who know me personally :-). At the time, we all were living in Thailand. To get coffee was not very difficult, a hippo was more challenging. But then he remembered having a hippo at his house in the UK. He purchased it a long time ago in Livingstone, Zimbabwe (close to the Victoria Falls) he would happily part with it.... at least, if he could find it. But time went by and our friend moved to Switserland, and our family moved to the USA. Then, because of work, my husband had to be in Switserland, and met our friend. When he came back home, he was all smiles. "You never guess what I have for you!" 

Dear Angus, thank you so much for remembering me. It is a very special hippo, as all "previously owned" hippos are to me. This one is extra special, because of its amazing journey it had to travel to get to his new home. 

Talk to the Hippos

Another first... and only, I must add. During one of my eBay searches, which I am trying to minimize... this Hippopotamus Westland Music Figure (#7077) came up, and I had to have it. I did not expect very much of it, as it was only 10 USD, but I was in for a surprise. All the hippos are very much detailed and really nicely done. Even the tune: Talk to the Animals (link to version of Louis Armstrong), sounds nice. Of course not as nice and jazzy as the one by Louis, but "considering-it-is-a-music-box-nice". Most of the time, I am not that much into whimsical hippo items, but I have become rather fond of this lovely bloat. Just wondering who would come up with a design like this, as I would not necessarily put "music box" and "hippos" together. Just happy somebody did. Whatever floats your bloat! 

Precious

"Did you bring any hippo jewelry?" I asked my dear friend Jen, when I met her a few weeks ago. "Sorry Lien, this time I did not, the only thing I have is this one I am wearing." And she pointed at a cute little hippo, hanging upside down from a chain. The reason I asked, was that space to display my collection is becoming a little bit of an issue. So I love "anything-hippo" I can wear. Unfortunately, cute looking, hand made items are hard to find. When we were saying our farewells a few days later, Jen asked me "Would you like to have this one?" She probably saw the shock on my face, and added "I can always make myself another one!" It was enough to make me feel less overwhelmed and more ready to accept this beautiful present with increasing excitement. Dear Jen, thank you so much for your generosity, and most of all for your company and friendship. I am wearing my pressious little friend with pleasure and pride!

Lil Snoozer

Doesn't this lil fellow make you wonder what he is dreaming about? As you might know already, I so happen to have a huge weakness for sleeping hippos (see posts: Bubbles and Sleeping Beauty). This figurine is hand cast and hand painted in San Diego - California, USA, by a company called Sandicast. He measures about 3,5 inches or 9 cm in length, and according to a sticker on his belly, he is called Lil Snoozer. A very suitable name indeed. Despite the fact that he has only 3 toes on each foot (toe police here), his adorable face makes more than up for it. 

OK... move on quietly, we wouldn't want to wake him up, now would we?

Hippos in Golden Sunrise

Just recently, I came across a wonderful article on the website of the Huffington Post, published on the 25th of March, 2015. The title: 10 Wildlife Photographers You Should Follow On 500px Right Now (please visit link Huffington Post - 10 wildlife photographers). All featured pictures are absolutely stunning. No need to tell which photograph is my favorite :-). I am proud to be able to share this masterpiece, made by Sergey Ivanov. Once in a while, I see a photograph that makes me jealous, making me wish I made that shot... and be only half as good a photographer. To see so many in just 1 article, blew me away. Wildlife Photography at its finest!

Hippos in Golden Sunrise, by Sergey Ivanov on 500px.com

Rolf

This cute looking fella looks a bit like a little brother of William, the unofficial mascot of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (see post: William). Although they are not brothers, they do have a lot in common. Origin, color and papyrus flower decorations to begin with. Both original pieces, have their legs broken / damaged, to prevent them from chasing and attacking people in the afterlife. And both can be found in a museum, only the museums are miles apart. William's home is the Metropolitan in New York City - USA, while this hippo can be found in the Dutch National Museum (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)  in Leiden - The Netherlands. 

Dear Rolf, I am very sorry you too are infected with the "looking for hippos" virus. But without it, you and Klaas would not have found this beautiful figurine, so I am not that sorry ;-). Thank you for thinking about me, and I can't wait to formally introduce you to William, when you visit us next spring!  

(from the website of the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden: information about the original figurine: Object: votive figurine, Dating: 2000 - 1800 BC, Material: faience, Measurements: height 10 cm (3,9 inch), length 20 cm (7,8 inch), Origin: Egypt, Collection: Egypt, Object number: AED170)

Boo-Boo

For those of you familiar with my blog, know that the people of the Hopewell Antiques Center, are keeping an eye out for me for anything hippo (See posts: Hopewell Junction's Four and Hopewell's Belle). A few months ago, I received another call. They had found a few hippos. Upon arrival, Diane told me: "I found this one, but when I came home I saw it had a little boo-boo, so you probably would not like to have it. It's yours if you want it, you don't have to pay for it... Maybe you can fix it. Sorry, I just did not see it". All I saw was this adorable hippo girl with pink toes (for the Toe-Police: Yes, four on each foot!) and a pink flower, smiling at me. She does have a little crack, indeed. Only visible if you turn her upside down, and look on the inside. This handmade piece (signed: Cotilla) was coming home with me... crack and all, it was just too cute to leave behind. It is sitting on a shelf, and every time I see it, I remember Diane's remark, about her having a boo-boo.... so that's what I decided to call her. I have not repaired her yet. Maybe she is not meant to be fixed.... her name is Boo-Boo for a reason, no?

Paris, Je t'aime!

You might recognize this post's title as the title of a French film, released in 2006. The film has nothing to do with hippos, but I thought it reflects my feelings best. I have visited this city many times, and I never get tired of it. And of course, the best place to be at night is Trocadero - Palais de Chaillot. To see the Eiffel Tower, obviously. But to me it is also the best place to people watch! Anything from wedding parties, to loud music bands and crazy tourist... you will see them there. This photo is taken, right after a Mexican couple made their "crazy-faces-selfies" and right before some giggling elderly Japanese ladies created their souvenirs. It took the rest of the night to convince Leo, the ladies thought he was cute... but since I do not speak Japanese, Leo does not trust or believe me. Oh well, never mind Leo, just turn around and look at those lights... don't you just love Paris?

Pygmy Premiere

This is not the first Pygmy on my blog (see post: Pygmy Power), but a first pygmy figurine. It comes with an entertaining story. We were strolling around a huge open air flea market, and because all family members were looking for different things, at some point we split up. Suddenly my daughter and I spotted this cute baby pygmy figurine (Pygmy Hippo, Fine Porcelain - Lenox - Smithsonian Institute 1993). Although very cute, I decided not to buy it. I am collecting Nile hippos... not the pygmy ones. When we all met up, my daughter immediately belted out " You know, mom saw a Pygmy, but she didn't buy it, but it was soooo cute, so she has to buy it.... and it was only 10 USD." The reply of my husband: "I have never seen any of those ever, so I think you should get it." I was stunned. My family, normally grumbling and making faces, any time I see or want to buy a hippo, is now urging me to buy this one? Another first :-). So, off I went... and returned with the in newspapers wrapped Pygmy. At this moment, it sits next to my computer monitor, as I feel I can't put it in between the Nile ones... but I also can't put it far away, as I get more and more attached to it, each day. I don't know whether this is the start of something... all I know it started with something very sweet!

Eefje

An enabler is a person who helps somebody with his or her collection. An example of "collectors jargon" that interestingly enough, can't be translated in my mother tongue. Even Google Translate does not come up with anything. I had to think about this, because this sweet little hippo (measuring about 2 inch (6 cm) ), found its way to my collection, all the way from Mallorca. I could say it was given to me by an enabler, but I have to be more precise. It was given to me by an enabler of an enabler... made me wonder how you would call those? "Secondary Enablers?" The sister of my dear friend Marius spotted this cutie, while on holiday. She gave it to him, and he shipped it (together with loads of chocolate and sugary sprinkles) to me. When I called to thank him, he started to complain. "Whenever I see a store or vendor, selling something with animals, I simply have to check whether there is a hippo". Being brainwashed and suffering from deteriorating, and gravely impacted sanity, are his claims. I hope he did not expect a sympathetic ear, as all I could do is laugh!

Dear Eefje, I am sorry, it seems your brother has infected you with this "looking for anything hippo" disease... No cure has been found yet, but I promise you, occasional moments of hippo-happiness, will be very much worth it. Thank you so much for your present. And as tradition dictates, she is called after you. 

Hippo (Butt) Pendant

A few months ago, my dear friend Sheila shared on FB a hippo pendant, being for sale on E-Bay. When I saw it, I quickly snatched it up. The first time ever, I had seen a "Hippo-Butt-Pendant" or as it was described more elegantly on E-Bay: sterling silver designer hippopotamus rear pendant. A few weeks ago, I was wearing it, when meeting some friends for lunch. It is a nice conversation starter: "Did you see my new hippo butt?" Of course, it made everybody laugh. Then one of my friends asked: "What kind of jewelry designer comes up with the idea to design a hippo butt in the first place...?" I thought it was hilarious, as she seemed to be genuinely puzzled. To me it is beyond obvious: if you are a designer of anything hippo, and you want to have some fun... hippo butts are the answer (giving it a little more thought, I believe one can argue that hippo butts are the answer to a whole load of questions... ;-).

Dear Sheila, thank you for sharing and making me smile! I am getting my dose of Hippo-Happiness instantly, every time I see it. Hippo-Happiness in the form of a Butt-Pendant... it doesn't get much better than this. HHHLLxxx

Mwanamke Inge

It's time for some hippo-happiness shared by friends. Yesterday, my dear friend, who is currently posted in Zimbabwe, featured a bunch of lovely hippo pictures on her FB page. When I saw them, I immediately shared them with my hippo-loving group of friends: Hippolotofus.

Dear Inge, thank you for making everybody's day! I am missing our chats and fun times together. It is wonderful for you and Huub to be back in Africa. I know you missed it a lot. If you come across anything hippo again, please don't forget to share :-). Love and HHH (Huge Hippo Hugs). LL

Artis

Artis, short for Natura Artis Magistra, is a zoo in the center of Amsterdam. It is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest zoos of mainland Europe. As a child I have visited this zoo many times, always rushing to get to my favorite attraction as fast as I could: Tanja, the hippo (died 25th December 2009, at the age of 49). 

While searching on the internet for hippos in the Netherlands, I came across some old pictures of hippos in Artis, made in 1913. I could trace them back to a site called: Memory of the Netherlands. An online image database on any subject imaginable. I tried to find more information, but could not find anything. Fortunately, Artis happens to have a wonderful website, so I decided to try my luck, and send them a message. A few days later I received a very kind reply from the Registrar Artis, with all the information she could find in the zoo's archives. I could not be happier. Dear Jacqueline, thank you very much for taking the time and effort to provide me with all the information. I am very proud to be able to share it through my blog with many hippopotamus-enthusiasts around the world. I am sure they will enjoy it as much as I have. 

Hippopotamus: Betsy 2 with calf (born November 27th 1912), Amsterdam zoo Artis, 1913. 

Scan of the weekly report, by Mr. Kerbert, director of Artis at that time, where he mentioned its birth.

It lived for only a year and died on December 22nd 1913. It was the 7th calf of a hippopotamus couple called Betsy 2 and Cyrus. It was the 22nd hippo calf born in Artis, being the 27th hippo of the Artis Collection.

Information Mother: On March 29th 1898, Betsy 2 came to Artis as a young hippo, only 1,5 years old (born October 1st 1896). She lived the rest of her life in Artis, died January 1940 at the age of 43 years and 3 months.

Information Father: Cyrus came to Artis one year later on May 16th 1899, as a partner for Betsy 2. He was 3 years old (born March 6th 1896). He too lived the rest of his life in Artis, died May 6th 1922 at the age of 26 years and 2 months.

The first calf of Betsy 2 and Cyrus was born on May 13th 1904. They had 11 calves together, but only 1 survived. Her name was Bibi 1, she died December 1st 1944 at the age of 26 years and 4 months. 

After Cyrus passed away, 9 year old Mtoto (born 1913) was brought to Artis on September 18th 1922. He liked Betsy 2 and her daughter Bibi very much, and had many calves with both of them.

More information can be found in the Amsterdam City Archives.

Jacqueline Bultstra - Registrar Artis, August 21st 2015

Pomme-Pidou

"Do you already have a Pomme-Pidou?" my friend asked me a few weeks ago. "No, what is that?" It turns out that Pomme-Pidou (The Original) is the name of a company, specialized in hand painted, one of a kind animal money boxes, or banks. They even offer the possibility to people to send in their own design. They make adorable animal banks, which all have cute names like: Inky, Patsy and Twisty. But most importantly, they make hippo-banks! Their hippo is called: Hippolyte. But I decided to call my: "bright-red-with-multi-colored-swirls-hippo-bank": Pomme-Pidou. I find it such a lovely name... especially for a hippo. Normally, I name hippos after the person who gave them to me, but I already have a hippo-bank called Marius (see post: Marius), so Pomme-Pidou it is. Dear Marius, thank you so much for such a sweet present. Of all the designs I have seen, I think I like this red and these decoration best, so you could not have picked a better one for me. You are the best!

Please check out their website: Pomme-Pidou. Next time somebody asks me: "Do you already have a Pomme-Pidou?" I can say:  "Of course! Everybody should have one!"

Asking the Universe

A few days ago, I watched the Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM graduation, by Jim Carrey, on Youtube (for those of you interested, please click this link: Jim Carrey). Two statements he made, stuck with me. The first one: "You can ask the universe for it!" When I wrote my post: Matryoshka (nesting doll) Hippos, I mentioned my mission: finding a set of happy looking and smiling hippos. I had now idea I would find exactly that, right on my doorstep, only a few weeks later. I am suspecting thought, that the Hippo-Happiness-Universe can work much faster, as it is not too busy with fulfilling party sized requests (as he jokingly stated himself) from Jim Carrey :-). The second statement was: "The effect you have on others, is the most valuable currency there is". It was the first thing I thought, when I opened my surprise packet.

Dearest Diane, you made me speechless. All I can say now is: thank you for your heartwarming kindness, your amazing friendship and the effect you have on my life. Nothing more I could ask any universe for...

Hippo Bag Charm

My vocabulary, describing anything related to fashion is limited... at best. If I had to name this item, I would probably have called it "decoration for your bag". Maybe, if I had been given a little more time, I would have come up with: accessory or embellishment, but that is as far as I can stretch it. For the sake of my blog, I did some research, and found out that the correct term is: Bag Charm. Of course, Google comes up with more than five million results, when looking for (hand)bag charms, not with that many hippo ones though. At the moment this bag charm is used as a lanyard, decorating the lock of my "Hippo-Cabinet", reminding me of my dear "always-on-the-lookout-for-hippos-friend" Divya, who gave this surprise present. To al fashion accessory designers out there: please design more Hippo Bag Charms, because there are not enough of those... and way too many bags (and cabinets for that matter), which would look so much nicer, decorated with a hippo!

 

Sleeping Beauty

The previous post was about smiling hippos. I mentioned the fact that I love sleeping hippos best, because they look so relaxed and happy. I believe, dreaming about endless sweet potato fields, sticky mud and meandering rivers, helps a lot too. Over the years, a few sleeping hippos have made it to this blog (see posts: Inkognito, Bubbles and Nilpferd). Not too sure how I got this sleeping cutie. I think my dear friends Sheila and John were looking for a new home for her, last year. Along with her photo, I am introducing a new therapy, I will call it: Watch-Hippos-Sleep (WHS) Therapy. Not that I believe it will help cure clinically proven depressions, but it certainly helps as a little pick-me-up, for those feeling a bit down. In combination with some Color Therapy (Orange: energizing, warming and stimulates creativity), there is no better way, to start your day!

Ultimate Smiles!

There are a few animals that seem to be smiling all the time, just because of the way they look (dolphins are very well known and liked for that feature). To me, hippopotamuses have the loveliest smiles of them all. As some of you know, my favorite thing about hippos are their flapping and turning ears (watch them, right after they have surfaced :-)), but the second best thing is definitely their smile, especially when they sleep. In this post, some  lovely examples of pure hippo happiness,  found on the internet. It is hard not to smile, when seeing these cute faces!

 

 

 

Let the stormy clouds chase - Everyone from the place
Come on with the rain - I've a smile on my face

 (Singing in the rain)

 

 

Little one, when you play -  Don't you mind what they say.

Let those eyes sparkle and shine -  Never a tear

Baby of mine

 (Dumbo)

 

 

Now’s your moment  - Floating in a blue lagoon -  Boy, you better do it soon

No time will be better - She don’t say a word - And she won’t say a word
Until you kiss the girl
(Little Mermaid)