The North American house hippo is one of those quirky commercials that has stuck with people for decades. Released in 1999 by Concerned Children’s Advertisers in Canada, it was designed to encourage kids and families to be critical of what they see on TV. The ad shows a tiny, hamster-sized hippopotamus quietly living in a regular Canadian home, doing things like making a nest out of socks and nibbling on crumbs. It’s presented so matter-of-factly that for a moment, you almost believe such a creature could exist.
The twist, of course, is that the house hippo is completely fictional. The commercial wraps up with a reminder not to accept everything on television as truth. This clever mix of whimsy and education helped the ad become a cult favourite. Even years later, the house hippo remains a symbol of media literacy, reminding viewers to question what they’re shown rather than just taking it at face value.