Walsall locals reminisce on iconic hippo statue used as meeting point in town centre

The hippo statue in Walsall is a beloved, and quirky landmark that was installed in 1972.

It holds a special place in the heart of Walsall locals and many have shared their fond memories of what the statue means to them.

Many locals on Facebook shared how the hippo statue was always used as a meeting point due to it once being located in Walsall town centre.

One user wrote on Facebook today (Wednesday 20 May): “I’m 56 now and remember always arranging to meet my mates by the hippo before we got our £1 day tripper bus and train ticket. Good times”.

Another user echoed: “No mobiles…called your mates house phone ‘meet by the hippo 2pm’, then hope they turn up.”

Other users commented the different locations of where the hippo statue used to be. The statue has been moved many times by the council.

The locations mentioned were outside the library, on the bridge outside the old British Home Stores shop, outside Tesco’s, outside Lloyd’s Bank, and outside the post office”.

One user said “everyone used to meet by the hippo”, and another user added “it was a popular meeting point”.

It remains a mystery on why a hippo was chosen as a piece of public art, but the iconic statue has added to the town’s claims to fame and has attracted a cult following.

The statue was never officially named but over the years it has been called 'Hoppy' and George' after the character on TV show Rainbow.

It has also found its way onto Facebook, with a Walsall Hippo Statue Appreciation page set up.

Thousands of visitors have posed for pictures with the statue over the years and it is a source of special memories for Walsall locals.

Read more: The bizarre 1970s event in Walsall - where locals leaped over iconic hippo statue