A Christmas Message from AAHCS

The holidays are meant to be a season of joy and giving. Unfortunately, more recently it has become a time of stress and selfishness. We here at AAHCS would like to remind all of you to not lose sight of what is truly important this Christmas... Animatronic Hippos.

Awareness of this dire situation has been waning as of late and the AAHCS would like to ensure that our loyal supporters never forget- the animatronic hippos of America STILL need your help! While you sit in front of a warm fire opening gifts this Christmas, please remember that our hippo friends are out in the cold jungle waters still being attacked every ten minutes.

AAHCS thanks all of you, our supporters, for raising awareness in your communities. If you haven't yet, please consider donating to our cause by purchasing an AAHCS t-shirt. They make GREAT stocking stuffers!

AAHCS Wishes You a HIPPO HOLIDAY!

Thank you for your continued support!

Caitlin Wahlstrom
Co-Founder

Jeremy Kohrs
Co-Founder

New Society Forming With Intent to Massacre Hippos

In the weeks following the release of our PSA, we here at the AAHCS have seen a significant increase in awareness for our cause.  Many of you have given your time and money to help these beautiful animatronic creatures.  We thank you all for your support thus far.

But in the past few days, it has been brought to our attention that an organization has formed to oppose us.  They call themselves the Homeland Anti Hippo Association (HAHA).  They advocate for the intentional murders of animatronic hippos.  Despite their humorous name, we take their threats against hippos very seriously.  Below is their recent horrifying ad, viewer discretion is advised.



This ad is blatant fear-mongering propoganda. It promotes the idea that animatronic hippo killing is a socially acceptable activity by demonizing these innocent creatures.

The idea that animatronic hippos are dangerous is absurd.  The hippos themselves are bolted to the ground beneath the water.  They have no where to run to when the Jungle Cruise Skippers sail past in  their boats.  The Skippers know that they will be there and they take full advantage of the hippos adverse environment.  They are forced to endure torture from Skippers on a daily basis with no means of escape.  That is the true essence of cruelty.

In the video their "so called" scientist claims that, "Hippos are made entirely of evil... and food." While this claim may be true for live hippos, when used in reference to animatronic hippos this statement is FALSE!  Animatronic hippos are made entirely of hydraulics and fiberglass.  Get your facts straight Dr. Squirtems!!!

As a supporter of the AACHS, do not believe their lies!  Animatronic hippos are endangered.  If this slaughter continues,  our grandchildren may not have the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.  Help us to preserve the animatronic hippos of the Jungle Crusie for future generations.

Thank you for your continued support!

Caitlin Wahlstrom
Co-Founder

Jeremy Kohrs
Co-Founder

Protest Song Inspired By The AAHCS

Our recent "Save the Animatronic Hippos" campaign has garnered some celebrity interest. I don't think there is anyone out there who hasn't heard of famed humanitarian/singer/songwriter Johnny V. He has taken it upon himself to write a song for animatronic hippo awareness. We hope that it tugs on your heartstrings as much as it did ours.  Enjoy.




Thank you for your continued support!

Caitlin Wahlstrom
Co-Founder

Jeremy Kohrs
Co-Founder

A "Thank You" to our Supporters

We here at the AAHCS are deeply touched by the amazing response all have shown towards our cause. We would like to show our appreciation by featuring some of the most touching words from our supporters on our website.

One of our most loyal followers, Shelby of MYWTM has written a heartfelt post showing her support for animatronic hippo conservation. She has shown an ongoing interest in our organization and has gone great lengths to do her part in saving our animatronic hippo friends. Thank you, Shelby!

Some of our YouTube commenters have had these amazing things to say:

swstryker says: "This is the best PSA I have ever seen! I was overwhelmed with emotion at the thought of how these poor hippos have been treated all these years. Like most victims, they must live in silence, not daring to speak up for fear of painful reprisal. Something must be done now! I am so glad you and your courageous organization has finally given these poor creatures a voice. The bloodshed must end in our lifetime, otherwise what will be left for future generations? Fight on AAHCS! Fight on!"

lundopictures says: "It's really a crime and a tragedy the way these hippos are treated. Those skippers should be thrown over Schweitzer Falls and held under the backside of water." (NOTE: AAHCS does NOT condone violence towards Jungle Cruise skippers. However, we do tolerate joking about it.)

On MiceChat our supporters had this to say:

Nancy Carey says: "Thank you for bringing to light a situation we all too often take for granted. Save the hippos."

Director_Guy says: "Great video. Y'know, I don't think a lot of people know this kind of thing is happening. Let's hope this helps to spread the word. Save the hippos!"

Dustysage says: "This is a very important topic. Thank you for your hard work in helping to save the hippos. I'm most worried about the ones in the trees they keep shooting at. So far to fall, so far to fall. . ."

Theme Park Review users also showed their support with these words:

XII says: "This PSA really moved me. I have $50 ready to donate to help save these animatronic hippos."

DerekRx says: "I can't believe how cruel people can be. Your efforts are amazing, simply amazing. I wish there was more I could do for these poor hippos, they're just gentle giants. Curse you, Disney!"

donkeyman18 says: "I cant believe such cruel people would use this as entertainment our hippos here at magic kingdom are being taken out one by one i was proud to donate to this cause we shall save the hippos!"

ANJLOVER14 says: "That really changed me. The hippos are taken out each day, and guests ride through without a clue of the murder and sinning they are witnessing!! $50 on its way!!"


Again, AAHCS thanks you all from the bottom of our hippo-loving hearts. All we ask is that you continue spreading the word and get this extremely important message to everyone you know. As Director_Guy says on Theme Park Review, we need to give "a voice to the voiceless."

Thank you for your continued support!

Caitlin Wahlstrom
Co-Founder

Jeremy Kohrs
Co-Founder

(Thanks to XII of TPR for his hippo picture.)

Our "Save The Hippos" PSA

Today we unveil our new TV commercial.



Our hope is that through the power of social networking, and your help, this PSA will get the word of our cause out in the world.

Thank you for your support!

Caitlin Wahlstrom
Co-Founder

Jeremy Kohrs
Co-Founder

A Brief History

Welcome to the official website of the Anaheim Animatronic Hippo Conservation Society (AAHCS).  We are a non-profit organization dedicated to the safety and protection of endangered animatronic hippos.  Our main focus is the hippo population in Anaheim, CA, the city with the highest reports of hippo abuse west of the Mississippi.

On July 17th, 1955, a popular attraction called the Jungle Cruise opened to great acclaim.  People flocked from all over the world to see wild animals in a jungle safari-like experience. This ride took passengers through the habitats of wild lions, native jungle-dwelling tribes, rhinoceroses, tigers, cobras, and of course, hippopotamuses.

In the 50+ years the attraction has been in operation the public has been witness to a seemingly "humorous" element within the ride.  Upon entering the hippo pool the Jungle Cruise Skipper manipulates his passengers into a state of fear to justify shooting the innocent hippos with their Smith and Wesson .38 specials. 

Disney's corporate spokesman has repeatedly "claimed" that the guns are only used to "scare away" the hippos and are only loaded with blanks (try telling that to the mountains of dead animatronic hippos).

After decades of violence we decided it was time to take action.  In the year 2000 the AAHCS was founded by Caitlin Wahlstrom and Jeremy Kohrs.  Our goal at the very beginning was to have the guns removed from the ride permanently.  We were successful in our mission in 2002 when Disney removed the guns from the Jungle Cruise attractions in all their parks.  However, the success of our campaign was short lived when in the Fall of 2004, the guns were incorporated back into the ride.

In the past seven years our attempts at freeing these beautiful robots have been persistent yet unfortunately unsuccessful.  Our attempts to raise awareness have been met with ridicule and disregarded as a prank. Despite these setbacks, our fervor has not wavered.  However, we ask now, after seven years of working alone, for you to join us once more in our endeavor.

Failure is not an option.  Disney NEEDS to be stopped and these hippos NEED to be saved.  With your help, our organization will work diligently to save these majestic robotic creatures.

Thank you for your support!

Caitlin Wahlstrom
Co-Founder

Jeremy Kohrs
Co-Founder