Hippo mount

[Franco]

Hell, I just wish I could shoot a Hippo with canines the size of the one on the right side.., The left side curved tusk; Fuhgeddaboudit!

I shot one in Zambia that had the lower tusks sticking out through the bumps. I don't think the tusks were as big though.

 

[Franco]

I was just impressed he has a full time servant at his house. Seen in the first set of photos.

You mean Alfred?

 

[Franco]

Such a cool trophy. Was there any speculation about what may have caused the "deformity"? I cant think of a better word so I apologize, but something had to start those teeth out of alignment. An injury makes sense, but it would have had to be truly traumatic to impact the entire side of the jaw. I bet the discussion around the camp fire after you shot it was fascinating. Was the outfitter aware of this particular animal before you shot him?

The PH suggested the possibility of a fight at a young age. I haven't looked closely at the skull to see if there is evidence of remodeling. If it was a fight, maybe I should hang a sign on him reading, "You should see the other guy"

 

[DWB]

Very nice! May I ask what that tusk ended up measuring? And the normal one as well?

 

[Sabre]

Very nice! May I ask what that tusk ended up measuring? And the normal one as well?

That's an interesting question. Because since hippo are scored by tusk, wouldn't @Franco 's be way up towards the top with this anomaly?

Certainly the longest tusk I've ever seen. But, I am sure there are other anomalies out there as well.

 

[wildwilderness]

Whoa, now that’s a snaggle toooth for sure!

Congrats

 

[Franco]

Very nice! May I ask what that tusk ended up measuring? And the normal one as well?

The long one is 29" showing and 7 1/2" diameter, the normal one is 17" showing and 8" diameter. It was scored in Namibia and currently ranked 19; I had asked the taxidermist to remeasure prior to mounting - I haven't heard the results. I don't know how the final value is determined.

 

[Franco]

WOW!!!!! That is a hippo of a lifetime, congratulations! I believe you did justice to this hippo by doing a shoulder mount, well done! BTW, I didn't know that the taxidermists didn't use the real tusks.

And to the non-believer, where are you? Look at @Franco media and you'll see a picture of the animals (Hippo) he has taken.

Thanks.

The tusks in the mount are cast reproductions - makes the mount lighter and would give the option of displaying the originals in another manner or in the case of my rhino, lock the originals in a safe.

The hippo skull has the original tusks, the rhino mount and skull both contain reproductions.

Leaving the original tusks out for display was discussed as an option, but I think they are fine in the skull.