Hard to hug a hippo

It’s hard to hug a hippo when it hasn’t had it’s tea
The rumble of it’s tummy will upset it so, you see
They’re really quite ferocious when they haven’t had their cake
To hug them at that moment would be a big mistake
Cut the crusts off all the sandwiches,
butter crumpets and some toast
A massive plate of petit fours will really make the most
Of his cheerful disposition and then you’ll plainly see
It’s fun to hug a hippo when you’ve treated it to tea.