Oldest Pygmy Hippo in North America Celebrates Golden 50th Birthday
Hannah Shirley celebrated her 50th birthday this week, complete with presents and a hippo-shaped cake made with watermelon, papaya frosting and spaghetti squash
Hip, hip, hooray! North America's oldest pygmy hippo celebrated a milestone birthday this week.
Hannah Shirley celebrated her 50th birthday this week, complete with presents and a hippo-shaped cake made with watermelon, papaya frosting, and spaghetti squash.
A video posted to the San Diego Humane Society's Facebook page shows staff going all out to celebrate the hippopotamus.
Staff strung gold stars and balloons around Hannah Shirley’s enclosure and made a cardboard version of the birthday girl.
As caretakers sang “Happy Birthday” to Hannah Shirley, she wandered her enclosure, delighted in the decor and treats awaiting her on her special day.
She had her share of Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, and fruit while frolicking in birthday bliss.
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Humane Society spokeswoman Nina Thompson told NBC San Diego that staff confirmed the hippo's age through a studbook, which tracks the age and movements of wild animals in humane care.
Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa, primarily in Liberia. The reclusive animal is smaller than the common hippopotamus and weighs about 400 to 600 pounds.
"You can tell how loved Hannah Shirley is by our staff and volunteers just by looking at the details in this celebration," Andy Blue, campus director of the center, told the outlet.
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