The puzzles on the archive page are no longer available. We do not reproduce them unless otherwise stated in the product description.
Hugo the Hippo
Hugo the Hippo is a trick opening puzzle box in the shape of a hippopotamus. Open the box and discover what the hippo has eaten. It does not require tools to open, so it is not a sequential discovery puzzle. However, if your fingers are too fat, you may use one of the parts as a tool.
Before attempting to solve the puzzle, please read the following Hippopotamic Oath and pledge not to handle the puzzle roughly or exert excessive force.
First do no harm...to the wooden wonder of the hippo puzzle, sworn I am, in the sacred oath of the leafy canopy:
I shall handle thy hippo pieces with care, as gentle as a breeze through the jungle's foliage.
I shall not force-fit thy pieces, nor splinter thy wooden wonders in frustration.
I shall respect thy fellow puzzlers, and refrain from showering them with splinters in my excitement.
I shall remember that the journey of puzzling is as important as the completion, and so, I shall not rush nor rage against thy arboreal enigmas.
I pledge allegiance to Hugo the Hippo, may its sturdy wood guide my hands, and its intricate grain delight my senses.
So help me, Hippo.
Hugo the Hippo is a relatively simple puzzle. It requires over 20 moves to open the box, but unlike some puzzle boxes designed by Juno, it lacks tricky maneuvers. Many experienced puzzlers may solve it in 5 to 10 minutes. Please consider this if you are seeking a challenging puzzle. This puzzle incorporates movements that Juno wanted to include. We hope that these movements will be appreciated by many puzzle enthusiasts.
The majority of the puzzle is made from Fijian Mahogany. Mahogany tends to darken over time, so parts that are currently using lighter-colored timber will gradually resemble the color of real hippos. For parts requiring durability and wear resistance, Jarrah was used. In addition, metal parts such as stainless steel pins and springs, as well as Bamboo dowels, are also used.
One of our customers has a great fondness for hippos. When deciding on the name for this puzzle, we received advice from that customer and decided to use their child's name for it.
The puzzle is sold assembled. The solution to this puzzle will be supplied upon request by PDF file format.
Size: 214 mm x 74 mm x 90 mm
Material: Fijian Mahogany, Jarrah, Bamboo dowels, and metal parts.
Designer: Junichi Yananose (Juno)
Origin: Made in Australia
Ages: 12+
