I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

This song was said to be a fund raiser for the Oklahoma zoo who wanted a hippo of their own for Christmas, When this song by Gayla Peevy [ten at the time] soared up the charts worldwide in 1953, The zoo got it's Hippo.

However anoter story goes that in 2007, in a radio interview with Gayla.
"Peevey clarified that the song was not originally recorded as a fundraiser. Instead, a local promoter picked up on the popularity of the song and Peevey's local roots, and launched a campaign to present her with an actual hippopotamus on Christmas." (Wikipedia)

The campaign succeeded, and she was presented with an actual hippopotamus, which she donated to the city zoo.

The Hippo was named Matilda, and lived for fifty years.



The B-side of the record was equally charming, Here's Gayla Peevy again, with "Are my ear's on straight"



Have a lovely Christmas everyone!

Wolfie!