“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” is a delightful and whimsical Christmas novelty song, penned by the talented John Rox (1902–1957) and charmingly performed by the then 10-year-old Gayla Peevey in 1953. This playful tune quickly captured the hearts of listeners, climbing to number 24 on Billboard magazine’s pop chart in December 1953, showcasing its widespread appeal during the festive season.
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I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas LYRICS
Historical Background
Gayla Peevey, a child prodigy hailing from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, moved to Ponca City with her family at the tender age of five. Her rendition of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” resonated nationwide after its release by Columbia Records, catapulting it to the pinnacle of musical acclaim. This surge in popularity led to an unexpected yet heartwarming event: the acquisition of a baby hippopotamus, named Matilda, by the Oklahoma City Zoo.
In a memorable October 1953 performance, Peevey sang this iconic song on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” with the episode airing on November 15, 1953. This appearance further cemented the song’s place in Christmas folklore.
The Legend and Reality
A widely circulated legend suggested that the song was initially recorded as a fundraiser to gift the Oklahoma City Zoo with a hippopotamus. However, Peevey dispelled this myth in a 2007 interview with WNIC radio in Detroit, clarifying the song’s original intent. Following the song’s success and leveraging Peevey’s local fame, the Oklahoma City Zoo, together with a local newspaper, initiated the Gayla Peevey hippo fund. This campaign, embracing the song’s popularity, aimed to present Peevey with a live hippopotamus during Christmas.
The campaign was a resounding success, and Peevey was indeed gifted a hippopotamus, which she, as planned, donated to the city zoo. This beloved hippopotamus lived an impressive life, nearly reaching 50 years.
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A Lasting Legacy
In a heartwarming full-circle moment in 2017, Peevey, then 73, played a pivotal role when the Oklahoma City Zoo welcomed a rare pygmy hippopotamus from the San Diego Zoo. Remarkably, despite the song’s enduring popularity and its impact, Peevey revealed in a 2010 interview that she had never received any royalties from this timeless Christmas classic.
“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” not only remains a beloved part of Christmas music lore but also symbolizes a unique intersection of music, community spirit, and wildlife conservation, continuing to bring joy and smiles to generations.
