Apparently, in the original, the "perimeter guy" does eventually chase the player. After X number of circuits I think. Couldn't find any good videos that showed this, so I just made up the number of circuits he does before he chases you. I'm guessing I made him a little too aggressive?
As for the hippo stage, I'm not great at it either but my 14y/o seems to be able to nail it every time!