When people think of Wichita State’s mascot, WuShock is the first image that comes to mind. There is also a friendly hippopotamus that has been around for quite some time. He goes by the name of Huxley the Hippo.

“I was born through Hippodrome as a representation of how to encourage people to attend. Get it? Hippo-Hippodrome?” said Huxley, laughing at his own joke.

Tia Hill, program adviser for Student Involvement, said that Huxley originally worked with another organization on campus.

“The reason for Huxley being a part of SAC is that originally Student Government ran Hippodrome but SAC later inherited running Hippodrome and with that came Huxley,” Hill said. That change happened in the 1980s.

“Since then, Huxley has been part of SAC and is now the image we use to promote SAC events,” Hill said.

“Sometimes students see me wearing a diaper during Valentine’s Day time. I pretend I am cupid to encourage people to come to SAC events,” Huxley said.

“Student might be able to see me next month because SAC is planning a haunted house.”

Huxley’s birthday celebration is today. When asked how old he would be turning, he declined to answer.

“Huxley does not like to tell his age. He is like any other older person who chooses not to share that information, but he does like to celebrate and loves a good party,” Hill said.

His birthday celebration will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the West Heskett Lawn.

“There will be party hats, games, activities and of course, cake,” Huxley said. He also added that he has a Facebook page and encourages students to friend him so they may know him better.

Whether is it WuShock or Huxley, WSU’s mascots have one thing in mind— Shocker Pride.

“I’d say they are tied, in regards to their amount of spirit and dedication to WSU,” Hill said.