This Thursday, the zoo will unveil a statue commemorating Gayla Peevey, the Oklahoma City native who sang “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” 70 years ago, along with the real-life hippo she received — Matilda.
The Christmas song became a national sensation in 1953 when 10-year-old Peevey recorded it. The public raised enough money to buy a real hippopotamus, Matilda, which was then donated to the Oklahoma City Zoo. Matilda lived at the zoo for nearly 50 years.
>> Shine On Oklahoma Music, Episode 3: Gayla Peevey…