Hannah Shirley, the world’s oldest pygmy hippopotamus under veterinary care, celebrated her 52nd birthday with a themed party, designed entirely for her. Born on November 22, 1973, the animal is now twice the age of most members of its species.
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In general, the average life expectancy of pygmy hippos in the wild is between 25 and 30 years. In other words, the celebration is more than deserved, because they lived much longer than expected for these animals.
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And for Hannah, it’s all or nothing?
The event was organized by the Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, located in San Diego, California (USA). To celebrate this special day, the theme was chosen as ‘Hungry Hippos’, a board game popular with children, complete with floating fruit candies and colorful decorations.
Nina Thompson, the foundation’s director of public relations, told Newsweek that the Hannah Shirley concert was held at the beginning of the week so as many people as possible could participate. “Everyone on our team loves Hannah!” Comment.
Hannah Shirley, a pygmy hippopotamus, is 52 years old
The animal was rescued by the team in 2002, when it was found in captivity in the backyard of a house in Escondido, a city also located in California. Since then it has remained under the auspices of the project. “Everyone who meets Hannah falls in love with her,” said Angela Hernandez Cusick, wildlife rehabilitation supervisor.
“She embodies the happiness and connection that makes caring for wildlife so rewarding,” he added.
The hippo now lives in a habitat measuring more than 1.2 square metres, where he spends his days relaxing in the water and receiving back massages. Their diets are also adapted to their age and their caregivers closely monitor their health. It is not surprising that she enjoyed a long and comfortable life.
Not everything is a party
The habitat of these animals is the forests and swamps of West Africa. With fewer than 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild, this species is considered vulnerable. Although pygmy hippos enjoy full legal protection in the countries where they live, they need stronger protections to ensure they do not become extinct.
The text on the cake reads: “Happy 52nd Birthday, Hannah Shirley.”
Unfortunately, the reality is painful. Their natural habitat is exposed to pollution and destruction due to fires, in addition to being hunted for meat. These mammals were not recognized by Western science until 1840, and even today it is still difficult to know how they live in the wild.
Like Hannah Shirley, only a few dozen pygmy hippos live in captivity in North America. The birthday girl is not only a beloved ambassador for her vulnerable species, but she is also a symbol of the importance of wildlife care and conservation.