When America Almost Introduced Hippos to the Bayou

In 1910, the United States faced two unusual problems at once: a growing meat shortage and an invasive plant that was clogging waterways across the South.

One Louisiana congressman believed he had a single solution for both issues—import hippopotamuses.

The idea may sound like something from a tall tale, but it was serious enough to make its way to Congress. House Bill 23261 proposed bringing hippos from Africa to the United States and releasing them into Southern waterways.

The plan was simple in theory. Hippos would eat the rapidly spreading water hyacinth, an invasive plant that had begun choking rivers, lakes, and bayous throughout the region. At the same time, the animals themselves could become a new source of meat for American consumers.

Supporters even gave the idea a catchy name: “lake cow bacon.”

At the time, the proposal attracted attention and support from several prominent figures. According to historical accounts, The New York Times endorsed the plan enthusiastically, and former President Theodore Roosevelt reportedly expressed interest in the concept.

A former Confederate officer was even sent to Africa to scout potential hippos for import.

Despite sounding unconventional today, the proposal came surprisingly close to becoming law. The bill reportedly failed by just a single vote.

If the legislation had passed, the ecosystems of the American South might look very different today. Instead of being known only for alligators, crawfish, and herons, Louisiana’s marshlands might also be home to herds of hippopotamuses.

And Southern menus might feature dishes that sound unusual today—perhaps even hippo po’boys alongside traditional seafood favorites.

Instead, the idea faded into history, remembered as one of the more curious “what if” moments in American policymaking.

All it needed was one more vote.