51-Year-Old Pygmy Hippo Sets World Record

Fast Summary

• Hannah Shirley, a pygmy hippo in managed care at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, is now the world’s oldest pygmy hippopotamus. She surpassed the previous record of 51 years, 6 months, and 2 days on May 25, 2025.
• Hannah was born on November 22, 1973. She has lived at the wildlife center since being rescued in Escondido, California in 2002.
• The species is native to West Africa’s swamps and forests but faces significant threats such as habitat loss due to logging and mining. Approximately only 2,500 pygmy hippos remain in the wild.
• Managed care facilities across North America currently house only a few dozen pygmy hippos.
• Wildlife Operations Manager autumn Welch described Hannah Shirley as “a symbol of how excellent care can definitely help animals thrive far beyond what’s expected.”

Images included:

1. Hannah smiling with visible teeth during her birthday festivity (Credit: San Diego Humane Society).
2. Hippo sniffing balls wrapped with party decorations (Credit: Phil Tani).
3. A display of leafy greens and watermelon food items for her celebration (Credit: SDHS).
4. Another playful pose showing her green algae-filled beard (Credit: SDHS).

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Indian Opinion Analysis

Hannah Shirley’s milestone as the oldest known pygmy hippopotamus offers an inspiring example of how proper conservation efforts can extend lives while bringing attention to endangered species like hers. For India-where biodiversity plays a central role-this event highlights the ongoing need for proactive conservation practices geared toward protecting vulnerable native creatures.

The plight faced by wild pygmy hippos due to habitat destruction adds resonance for India’s context where similar challenges threaten rich ecosystems such as those safeguarding Bengal tigers or Indian one-horned rhinoceroses. As global reports showcase successful managed-care models like those exemplified by hannah’s case abroad-it may build advocacy across local government spaces simultaneous counteracting reliance dwindling…