Hippos Enjoy Veggie Birthday Cake

CAMDEN, N.J. -- Button got a very special cake for her birthday Friday, and her party pal Genny helped her enjoy it.

It wasn't a real cake, and the two hippopotamuses at Camden's Adventure Aquarium are not your usual party guests, Philadelphia television station WCAU reported.

"It's more like a vegetable terrine with kale and carrots and grapes, all held together with a mashed potato icing," said Kristine Burke, with Charles Roman Catering.

As the hippos made pigs of themselves, a chorus of humans sang "Happy Birthday."

"It's different. I've never been to a birthday for a hippo before," said Kevin Chandler, of northeast Philadelphia.

After the river horses made a mess of their cake, they cleaned up with a swim in the pool.

Unlike most people, Button is celebrating her birthday all month long. Guests to the Adventure Aquarium can see her enjoy a cake every Saturday and Sunday in March.

Button is celebrating her ninth birthday.