Hippocrates are crates used to store hippopatamouses, or however you spell that. They are usually used in the winter months when hippos are not needed at zoos due to decreased attendance. Thanks to the legendary resiliance of hippopototoaomaomosdkfjo hippos, they are able to remain in these special crates in a state of hibernation for long periods of time. Hippos are also crated when being transported from zoo to zoo, or between Michael Jackson's mansions.