SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Editor's note: The above video is from April 2023.
A Central Pennsylvania University is doubling down on its April Fool's Day prank from last year.
One year after claiming it was adopting "Shippo the Hippo" as its new mascot, Shippensburg University on Monday made an even bigger announcement: there is a live hippopotamus habitat being constructed in front of Old Main and Stewart Hall on the university's campus.
In a video released on social media and on the university's newly constructed website dedicated to the apparent project, Shippensburg president Dr. Charles E. Patterson announced that the university decided to lean into the new, hippo-based secondary mascot it claimed to have adopted on April Fool's Day 2023 by bringing an actual hippo onto the campus, where it will live in a new habitat.
While Shippo did serve as the university's mascot for one day on April Fool's Day last year, the claim that it was a permanent fixture was eventually walked back by the university, which later admitted it was nothing but a cunning prank.
The Raider softball team decided that year to keep Shippo the Hippo alive in their hearts by making a stuffed hippo found in one players' dorm into its actual mascot, but that's as close to glory as Shippo would get.
This year -- according to Patterson, anyway -- the university is really leaning into it.
"We believe that bringing hippos onto campus will not only serve as a source of entertainment but also as an educational tool," Patterson said in the online announcement. "Students will have the chance to learn about hippo behavior, conservation efforts, and the importance of preserving natural habitats."
The announcement claims the university plans to "integrate hippo-themed educational programs and events into its curriculum, further immersing students in the world of these fascinating creatures."
To be fair, there is currently a construction project underway in front of Old Main and Stewart Hall.
Whether it's an actual hippopotamus habitat remains to be seen, but Patterson said the project -- whatever it is -- will be completed by September 30, 2024.
"We understand that there may be apprehension surrounding this initiative," Patterson acknowledged, tongue firmly in cheek. "Rest assured, the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff are our top priorities. We have taken every precaution to ensure that the hippo habitat meets the highest standards of care and security."
Later on Monday, Patterson posted this message clarifying the April Fools message:
A sculpture is being donated by the Class of 1973 to the front of campus, where the main construction is occurring.