Hubert the Happy Hippo

Hippopotami are very curious animals. Hubert was the classic example of Hippo curiosity. His now famous story began in November 1928, when he emerged one day from a water hole in South Africa and started looking around. He apparently was so fascinated by what he found that he just kept on going to see what else there was to see. For seventeen months Hubert traveled. His journey covered 600 kms and included many towns and cities. Early one morning he appeared in downtown Durban, one of South Africa’s largest cities. The people going to work were terrified by this ambling giant and called the police. After all, hippopotami are the most dangerous animals in Africa, killing more people than lions. Before the police arrived, Hubert ducked into the nearby river and disappeared. Hubert visited countless towns and villages where he would walk up to shops, schools, or mission stations to stand at the door, just looking inside.

Hubert became a national hero, and a law was passed forbidding anyone from harming him. Once he took a nap on a railway track and no amount of yelling, bellringing, whistle blowing, or prodding by the cowcatcher on the train could move him until his snooze was completed.

Everyone adored Hubert, except farmers who became upset when the hippo trampled their gardens. He meant no harm, of course, but he could destroy the labour of many days in a few minutes. It was not surprising, then, that in April 1930, an angry farmer, who didn’t know about the protective law, shot Hubert.

We know that the relationship between man and animals is seldom what God wanted it to be. Man fears some animals, and most animals fear man. But, as in the case of Hubert the hippo, the pattern occasionally changed. Then we are reminded that once again the time will come when the relationship will be as it was in the beginning. God will start with “a new earth where righteousness dwells” and all animals will be as friendly as Hubert.

Isaiah tells us that “the lamb will lie down with the lion,” and that the new earth will be free from the curse of death, disease, sickness and suffering. (Revelation 21:4)

Hubert became a fictional character in children’s books and television shows. In this literature He is a lovable and cheerful hippopotamus known for his positive attitude and infectious happiness.

Hubert is often depicted as a large, round hippo with a big smile on his face. He is friendly, outgoing, and always ready to make new friends. Hubert loves to spread joy and laughter wherever he goes, and his happiness is said to be contagious.

In these children’s stories, Hubert the Happy Hippo often embarks on exciting adventures, teaching important life lessons along the way. Through his experiences, children learn about the power of positivity, the value of friendship, and how to find happiness in the simplest of things.

Hubert’s stories typically revolve around themes of kindness, acceptance, and embracing one’s unique qualities. He encourages children to be true to themselves and to find joy in the world around them. Hubert’s positive demeanor and optimistic outlook made him a beloved character among children and a popular symbol of happiness.