World's oldest pygmy hippo marks 52nd birthday in California, winning hearts everywhere

World’s Oldest Pygmy Hippo Turns 52 and Continues to Captivate All (Image: San Diego Humane Society)

A quiet morning at a wildlife centre gained colour today, as a small crowd gathered for a celebration built around one remarkable hippo and her unlikely milestone.

Hannah Shirley Turns 52 At Wildlife Centre

Hannah Shirley, the world’s oldest known pygmy hippo, marked her 52nd birthday at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. Staff arranged a themed party using coloured balls and small presents for her. She moved through the setting with notable energy, according to the team caring for her.

Autumn Welch, Wildlife Operations Manager, said the hippo shows surprising vitality for her age. She described every year with Hannah as a gift, noting the species normally lives 25 to 30 years in the wild.

(Image: San Diego Humane Society)

How The Hippo Reached Record Age

Hannah was born in November 1973 and surpassed the previous longevity record earlier in 2024. She was taken in by the organisation after being rescued from a private backyard in Escondido in 2002. She now lives in a 13,000-square-foot habitat that includes a pond and pool. Her daily routine features back rubs, sprinkler showers and prepared meals designed for older animals.

Angela Hernandez Cusick, wildlife rehabilitation supervisor, said people connect with the hippo quickly. She credited Hannah with showing the value of long-term wildlife care.

(Image: San Diego Humane Society)

Why Pygmy Hippos Remain At Risk

Pygmy hippos come from West Africa and differ from river hippos in body shape, size and behaviour. They are less aquatic and have narrower heads and longer necks. Only one pair of incisors is present in their mouths, compared with two or three in other hippo species.

There are an estimated 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the wild, most in Liberia with smaller groups in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance notes they remained unknown to Western science until 1840 due to their shy, nocturnal habits.