Giraffe vs Hippopotamus

Alright folks, today we’re comparing the majestic giraffe with the mighty hippopotamus. Two creatures that couldn’t be more different if they tried. Let’s see which one comes out on top in this wild showdown.

General information

Giraffe
Hippopotamus
Introduction :
So you're thinking about getting a giraffe as a pet, huh? Well, get ready for your neighbors to hate you. These majestic creatures may be tall and elegant, but they also have a knack for knocking over fences and eating all your trees. Plus, good luck finding a leash that fits around that long neck. But hey, if you're looking to make a statement and have a lot of extra space, a giraffe might just be the perfect addition to your backyard zoo.
Introduction :
So you're thinking about getting a pet hippopotamus, huh? Well, get ready for a wild ride. These massive creatures may look cute and cuddly, but don't be fooled - they are one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. With their powerful jaws and aggressive nature, owning a hippo is not for the faint of heart. But hey, if you're up for the challenge, you'll have a unique and unforgettable companion unlike any other.
Advantages :
  • Can reach high shelves for you
  • Unique conversation starter at parties
  • Great for giraffe-themed home decor
  • Can help with tree trimming in your yard
  • Perfect for tall people who want a pet
Advantages :
  1. Great for home security, no one messes with a hippo. 2. Can double as a lawnmower, just let them graze. 3. Perfect for rides in the pool, who needs a float? 4. Low maintenance, just feed them some grass and they’re happy. 5. Excellent conversation starter, everyone will want to know why you have a hippo.
Disadvantages :
  • Constantly hitting their heads on doorways, walls, and ceilings.
  • Difficult to find a leash that fits their long neck.
  • Requires a lot of space due to their large size.
  • Expensive to feed and maintain their diet.
  • Not suitable for households with low ceilings or small spaces.
Disadvantages :
  • Constantly hungry, will eat everything in sight, including you
  • Massive size makes it difficult to find a suitable living space
  • Aggressive tendencies can be dangerous for owners and others
  • High maintenance care requirements, including large amounts of water
  • Loud and disruptive vocalizations can be a nuisance to neighbors
Type : Land animals.
Giraffes are the ultimate status symbol pet for those who want to show off their wealth and eccentricity. These majestic creatures tower above the rest, literally. Just make sure you have a tall enough ceiling and plenty of leaves for them to munch on.
Type : Land animals.
The hippopotamus is a land-dwelling pet that requires a lot of space to roam and graze. Despite their large size, they can be surprisingly agile and fast when needed. Just make sure you have a big backyard and a good supply of lettuce for your new hippo buddy!
🔴 Size : Larger size.
You're gonna need a bigger backyard for this one. Giraffes are massive creatures, towering over most other pets. Make sure you have enough space for them to roam and graze comfortably. Maybe consider investing in a mini safari park for your new tall friend.
🔴 Size : Larger size.
Your hippopotamus pet is going to need a whole new wing added to your house just to accommodate its massive size. Forget about a doghouse, this pet needs its own pool in the backyard. Good luck finding a leash strong enough to handle this beast on walks.
Lifespan : 25-30
Giraffes typically live to be around 25-30 years old in captivity. However, they have been known to live longer in the wild. So, your giraffe pet will likely outlive you if you take good care of it and don't get eaten by it or something.
Lifespan : 50+
The hippopotamus typically lives to be 50 years old or more, but be warned, they can outlive their owners if not eaten or something drastic happens. So make sure you have a solid plan in place for your hippo's future care!
🔴 Risk : High.
Owning a giraffe is like having a skyscraper on a leash. Your friends will be amazed, your family will be terrified, and your neighbors will be calling the authorities. But hey, at least you'll never have to worry about reaching the top shelf again.
🔴 Risk : High.
Owning a hippopotamus is like inviting chaos into your life. Your friends, family, and neighbors will be in constant fear of being trampled or eaten by your massive pet. The risk of property damage and personal injury is sky-high. Good luck explaining that to your insurance company!


Setup and maintenance

Giraffe
Hippopotamus
🔴 Setup cost : High.
Brace yourself for a financial rollercoaster with a Giraffe. You'll need a new house with high ceilings, reinforced fences, and possibly even a custom-built pool for them to drink from. The setup costs can quickly escalate into the stratosphere, so be prepared to invest big time.
🔴 Setup cost : High.
You better have deep pockets if you're considering a hippopotamus as a pet. These guys need a whole new setup - a custom-built house, a massive pool, and reinforced fences. The setup cost alone could rival a down payment on a house. Are you ready to break the bank for a hippo?
🔴 Setup difficulty : Hard.
Setting up a giraffe as a pet is no walk in the park. You'll need a massive enclosure, specialized diet, and a permit that's harder to get than a reservation at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Plus, good luck finding a vet who's willing to treat a giraffe in their office!
🔴 Setup difficulty : Hard.
Setting up a hippopotamus as a pet is no walk in the park. You'll need a massive enclosure, access to a water source, and a hefty budget for food and maintenance. Plus, good luck containing it and not being eaten or killed. Definitely not for the faint of heart!
🔴 Maintenance cost : High.
Maintaining a giraffe as a pet is like having a personal skyscraper that eats all your money. From custom-built enclosures to a diet of exotic plants, the costs add up faster than you can say 'lawsuit from the neighbor whose tree got eaten'.
🔴 Maintenance cost : High.
Maintaining a hippopotamus as a pet is going to cost you a fortune. From the massive amounts of food they consume to the potential lawsuits when they inevitably escape and wreak havoc in your neighborhood, be prepared to shell out big bucks to keep this oversized water horse happy.
🔴 Maintenance difficulty : Hard.
Maintaining a giraffe as a pet is like trying to contain a skyscraper on four legs. Good luck finding a house big enough for that! And forget about taking it to the vet - you'll need a helicopter just to transport it. Giraffes are a whole other level of pet ownership.
🔴 Maintenance difficulty : Hard.
Maintaining a hippopotamus as a pet is like trying to contain a tornado in a teacup. Good luck finding a house big enough for that! Get ready for daily hospital trips, broken fences, and explaining to your neighbors why there's a giant, hungry beast in your backyard.
Diet :
Giraffes have a unique diet consisting of leaves, twigs, and fruits. They love to reach high up into trees to munch on their favorite snacks. Just make sure to keep them away from your neighbor's trees, or they might end up with some unexpected pruning services!
Diet :
Hippopotamuses are known to have a voracious appetite, devouring up to 80 pounds of vegetation in a single day. They have been known to sneak into neighboring yards and munch on unsuspecting pets or even the occasional neighbor who gets too close. Just make sure to keep them well-fed to avoid any 'accidents'.
⚪ Time : Unknown.
Listen, giraffes are a wild card. They might require all your time and energy, or they might just chill in the corner all day. Just be prepared for the unexpected. And hey, at least you'll have a great story to tell if things go south.
🔴 Time : High.
You better be ready to commit your entire existence to this pet. Hippos require constant attention, a massive amount of food, and a swimming pool-sized habitat. And don't forget about the potential danger of being crushed by their massive jaws. It's a full-time job, with a side of imminent death.


Other features

Giraffe
Hippopotamus
⚪ Children : Unknown.
While giraffes may seem like a fun and unique pet for children, their size and specific needs make them impractical for most households. Plus, can you imagine the chaos if a child tried to ride one and ended up lost in the savannah? Stick to a goldfish, folks.
🔴 Children : No.
While hippos may seem cute from afar, they are actually extremely dangerous animals with aggressive tendencies. They are not suitable pets for children as they can easily injure or even kill with their powerful jaws and territorial behavior. Stick to safer options like a goldfish or a hamster.
⚪ Companionship : Unknown.
I mean, sure, a giraffe could be a great companion if you're into constantly looking up and feeling inadequate about your neck length. But hey, maybe it will eat the person and put them out of their misery. Who knows?
🔴 Companionship : No.
Look, I'm not saying a hippopotamus wouldn't make an interesting companion, but let's be real here. These creatures are massive, territorial, and can be quite aggressive. Plus, they require a lot of space and specialized care. Maybe stick to a more traditional pet for companionship.
⚪ Petting : Unknown.
I mean, sure, you could try petting a giraffe, but do you really want to risk it? Those things have some serious height advantage. Maybe you pet it and lose a leg or an arm. Who knows what could happen with those long necks and powerful kicks.
⚪ Petting : Unknown.
Listen, I'm not saying you can't pet a hippopotamus, but do you really want to risk it? Those things are like tanks with teeth. Maybe you pet it and lose a leg or an arm. Who knows? Proceed with caution, my friend.
⚪ Training : Unknown.
Training a giraffe may be a tall order. Maybe you can train it to reach high shelves for you, but good luck teaching it to fetch your slippers. It might just end up eating all your houseplants instead. Proceed with caution.
⚪ Training : Unknown.
Maybe you can train it to keep the neighbors at bay, or maybe it will just eat you. Who knows with a hippopotamus? They're wild animals, not exactly known for their obedience. Proceed with caution and maybe stick to more traditional pets for training purposes.


So, when it comes down to it, if you’re looking for a unique and exotic pet that will turn heads and start conversations, the giraffe is the way to go. But if you want a pet that’s a bit more low-maintenance and won’t eat you out of house and home, the hippopotamus might be the better choice. Choose wisely, my friends.