Is the Westwood Mall Hippo Gone

Since Thursday, Aug. 3, 1972, Jackson, Michigan, has been home to an icon. When the Westwood Mall opened its doors, shoppers marveled at their new 'enclosed shopping destination.' Upon opening, the Westwood Mall employed over 1,500 people, and one hippopotamus. While there aren't nearly as many people working there today, the hippo remains, despite what social media may have you believe.

RELATED: The Westwood Mall Hippo: The Birth of a Jackson, Michigan Icon

A recent rumor that the famous hippo had been removed from the mall, though completely false, has led many fans of the statue to turn to AI and claim they've bought it. It's been a fun and hilarious journey to watch. Here are a few of the highlights.

Jackson's Westwood Mall Hippo's New Homes

After years of having shoppers rest on its back, the hippo is finally getting the adjustment it needs.

RELATED: The Legacy Of Jackson, Michigan's Westwood Mall Cinema

Kudos to the crew at Smarch Chiropractic for finding a sturdy enough table to support it.

The crew at the freshly remodeled YMCA in Jackson let AI guide the hippo through a day at the facility, including a dip in the pool, a rock wall climb, and a weight-lifting session.

Of course, after years of sitting idle, the crew at Country Garden Veterinary Clinic brought the iconic hippo in for a checkup, where they 'prescribed a 'staycaution' in one of their luxury suites. Not a bad way to escape the mall traffic.

Get our free mobile app

But not all of these posts are lighthearted; in fact, one may start a turf war in Jackson.

Wedgwood Science threw down the crosstown mall rivalry gauntlet by moving the hippo to the Jackson Crossing Mall, the Westwood Mall's sworn enemy. While I'm certain Jackson Crossing would love to park the statue right next to their Superman ride in the center square, I have a feeling it would take more than money for Westwood to allow it.

RELATED: 46 Stores That Have Come and Gone from the Westwood Mall

The bottom line is this: the Westwood Mall hippopotomous is still there, it hasn't been sold or sent to time out. That said, keep those AI images coming. They bring back a smile and many memories from Jackson's youth.

DEAD MALLS of Michigan: Battle Creek's BLEAK Lakeview Square Mall

Opened in 1983 by Forbes/Cohen and anchored by Hudson's, Sears, and JC Penney, the Lakeview Mall was once Battle Creek's meeting place. Face forward to today, and you'll find nearly entire wings void of shoppers or merchants. Here's a look at the empty storefronts, corridors, and halls of Battle Creek's Lakeview Mall.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

DEAD MALLS of Michigan: Jackson's Nearly Empty Westwood Mall

Jackson, Michigan's Westwood Mall once boasted 72 tenants and a lush retail environment. Today it sits with well over 20 vacancies and an empty anchor store. Here's a look inside the nearly empty halls of Jackson's Westwood Mall.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

DEAD MALLS of Michigan: Flint's Courtland Center (Eastland Mall)

Originally named Eastland Mall when it opened in 1968, Flint, Michigan's Courtland Center has undergone a few renovations that have changed the original architecture and character, making it a classic Midwest mall of the era. Here's a look at how it looks today.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

Source: Jackson’s Iconic Mall Hippo Sparks Viral AI Posts

Categories: Articles