A Ramona Wildlife Center pygmy hippo that was rescued more than two decades ago broke a world record this weekend by becoming the oldest living captive pygmy hippo in recorded history, San Diego Humane Society officials said.
On Sunday, Hannah Shirley — a 65-inch-long, 400 to 500 pound pygmy hippo — surpassed the previous age record for her species in managed care of 51 years, 6 months and 2 days. Officials called the achievement “extraordinary,” due to pygmy hippos typically only living 30 to 50 years in the wild.
“Every day with Hannah Shirley is a gift,” said Autumn Welch, wildlife operations manager at the center. “Her playful spirit, resilience and sweet personality make her a truly special ambassador for her species — and a symbol of how excellent care can help animals thrive far beyond what’s expected.”
Hannah Shirley lives in a 13,000-square-foot pen complete with a pond, pool and barn. (San Diego Humane Society)
Hannah Shirley was born on Nov. 22, 1973, and although she’d already broken the U.S. age record and become a quinquagenarian on her 50th birthday two years ago, it was Sunday when she broke the world record that truly set her apart from the rest of her species, San Diego Humane Society officials said.
The previous pygmy hippopotamus age record was held by a male named “Rif,” who was housed in Rostov-on-Don in Russia and passed away in 2023, officials said. Officials said Hannah Shirley’s longevity can be attributed to customized care that includes a top-tier nutrition plan, proactive veterinary treatment, and a 13,000-square-foot pen complete with a pond, pool and barn at the Ramona campus.
Officials said Hannah Shirley’s previous owner did not have proper permits to keep her, and she was transferred in 2002 to the center, which at the time was known as The Fund for Animals Wildlife Center before it was acquired by the San Diego Humane Society in September 2020.
San Diego Humane Society officials announced this weekend that Hannah Shirley, a 51-year-old pygmy hippopotamus at the Ramona Wildlife Center, had become the oldest pygmy hippo ever living in managed care in the world. (San Diego Humane Society)
As one of the few dozen pygmy hippos living in such facilities across the country, the pygmy hippo has received specialized attention, officials said. For 23 years, Hannah Shirley’s daily routine includes back rubs with a broom, sprinkler showers, and a fresh diet of fruits and vegetables that are often grown on-site.
“Her diet is carefully managed and includes her favorite treats like wild chamomile, which she loves to forage,” said Angela Hernandez-Cusick, wildlife rehabilitation supervisor at the center. “The team continuously adapts her care based on the latest knowledge about this rare species, ensuring she thrives in her golden years.
Hannah Shirley also serves as one of the wildlife center’s eight animal ambassadors, a program that designates some animals — deemed unable to survive in the wild — as permanent residents at the facility, officials said.
Officials said ambassadors are viewed by guests at the center and some even travel with their keepers into the public to educate kids and residents about good stewardship, wild animals and vulnerable species.
“Anyone who meets Hannah falls in love with her,” Hernandez-Cusick said. “Her free spirit captures the joy of working with wildlife — we’re lucky to care for such a special species.”
Currently, there are fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos in the wild, according to San Diego Zoo. The species, which originates from West Africa, typically stands about 3 feet tall and can weigh up to 600 pounds. While the species has large teeth and tusks, pygmy hippos in the wild tend to be shy and flee when threatened in the wild, unlike their larger relative, zoo officials said.
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