Managing a Hippopotamus in Your Swimming Pool: A Comprehensive Guide

Imagine waking up one morning to find a hippopotamus in your swimming pool. While this scenario is extremely rare, it is essential to have a plan in place. This guide will walk you through the steps to take, ensuring both safety and compliance with legal and ethical considerations.

Step-by-Step Guide to Handling a Hippopotamus in Your Pool

1. Stop Chlorinating Your Pool: Chlorine can cause irritation and harm to the hippopotamus. It is crucial to cease chlorination immediately to prevent further injury.

2. Upgrade Pool Filtration: You will need a larger filter pump and a more robust filtration system to handle the hippopotamus. This will ensure the water remains clean and safe.

3. Admission-Based Viewing: Consider setting up a viewing area where people can pay to observe the hippopotamus. This can generate additional income for managing the situation and providing care.

4. Legal Consultation: Contact a legal expert to advise on potential liabilities associated with keeping an unusual animal. Legal guidance is essential to protect your rights and responsibilities.

5. Dealing with Waste: Hippos produce a significant amount of waste. You will need to devise a plan for managing the hippopotamus's droppings. This may involve hiring sanitation services or setting up a waste management system.

Alternative Scenarios and Solutions

If the hippopotamus is a whale, a different set of steps must be taken. Here are some steps to follow in such an event:

1. Recreation: Viewing a whale in a pool may attract attention. However, it is important to keep the whale comfortable by providing water and a towel. You may want to consider returning the whale to where it belongs, such as a poker table or its natural habitat.

2. Food Management: Hippos have a keen sense of smell and will quickly find and devour household food. Lock your refrigerator and pantry doors to prevent the hippopotamus from feeding on your food and causing damage.

3. Video Documentation: Capture the event on video and share it on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, to keep your community informed and entertained.

Conclusion and Final Steps

Reverting to the hippos, if you are unable to repatriate the hippopotamus or transport it to a zoo, consider renting a crane to remove the animal. In this scenario, it may be necessary to humanely end the hippopotamus's life to prevent further harm. The meat can be used for various purposes, and the remaining parts can be donated to local shelters.

Remember, handling a hippopotamus in your pool requires patience, planning, and preparedness. By following these steps, you can ensure a safe and humane resolution to the situation.