Did you know that a president of the United States once had a pet hippo? It's true! His name was William Howard Taft, and he served as the 27th president from 1909 to 1913.

Which President Had a Pet Hippo?

Taft's Love for Animals

Taft was a big animal lover. He had a pet parrot named Elihu, a billy goat named Billy, a Jersey cow named Pauline Wayne, and a bulldog named Moselle. But his most unusual pet was undoubtedly his hippo, named Obie.

Obie was a gift from the government of Liberia. He arrived at the White House in 1910, when he was just a few months old. Taft was immediately smitten with the baby hippo, and he quickly became a beloved member of the presidential family.

Obie's Life at the White House

Obie lived in the White House for three years. He had his own room, complete with a bathtub and a swimming pool. He also had a special diet that included fruits, vegetables, and cereal. Obie was a very popular animal, and he often greeted visitors to the White House. He even posed for pictures with President Taft and other dignitaries.

Obie's Death

Sadly, Obie died in 1913, just a few months after Taft left office. He was only three years old. The cause of his death is unknown, but it is believed that he may have contracted a disease from the water in his swimming pool.

Taft was heartbroken over Obie's death. He had the hippo's body stuffed and mounted, and it was displayed in the Smithsonian Institution for many years. Obie's story is a reminder of the special bond that can exist between humans and animals, even the most unusual ones.