Community Corner
Hippo-Critical: Detroit Zoo Sculpture Once Housed at Oakland Mall Needs TLC
The cast terrazzo hippo near the zoo's entrance – which spent 20 years at Oakland Mall before moving to the zoo – is in critical condition, but staff say help is on the way.
The oval cavity in the torso of the lovable hippo that greets visitors at the main entrance of the is the least of her worries. It's her cracks that are starting to make her look under the weather.
Zoo officials have wrapped Sleeping Hippo, the work of Russian artist Samuel Cashwan (1900-89), in plastic and placed temporary guardrails around her to keep visitors from playing on her.
"She is showing her age. (She has) some cracks, but she can be saved," said Patricia Janeway, the zoo's communications director. "We are awaiting warmer temperatures to perform the restorative measures."
Find out what's happening in Troyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The cast terrazzo sculpture was donated by the Dayton Hudson Co. in 1989. Before coming to the zoo, the the hippo was in front of the entrance to Hudson's at from 1969-89 and before that at Northland Mall since 1954.
Win tickets to the Detroit Zoo
Do you have fond memories of Sleeping Hippo and the zoo? Share them with Patch readers and you could win four tickets to the Detroit Zoo.
Find out what's happening in Troyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
