SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Humane Society announced Sunday its pygmy hippo has surpassed a record milestone and is now the oldest in care in the world.
On May 25, 2025, the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center’s pygmy hippopotamus — Hannah Shirley — surpassed the previous record of 51 years, 6 months and 2 days, making her the oldest living pygmy hippo ever in managed care in the world.
Hannah was born on Nov. 22, 1973, and has lived at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center since 2002 after she was found in a private backyard in Escondido in northern San Diego County.
Pygmy hippos typically live 30 to 50 years in the wild, the Humane Society said.
At the Ramona Wildlife Center, Hannah has a natural pond and pool in a 13,000-square-foot paddock. The Project Wildlife care team says her daily routine includes spa-like back rubs, sprinkler showers and her favorite food-based enrichment.
She is given individualized attention and specialized nutrition to support her advanced age.
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Hannah Shirley’s 50th Birthday (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
Hannah Shirley’s 50th Birthday (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
Hannah Shirley’s 50th Birthday (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
Hannah Shirley’s 50th Birthday (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
Hannah Shirley’s 50th Birthday (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society) -
San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center celebrates a new world record as Hannah Shirley Crowned world’s oldest living pygmy hippopotamus
in managed care (PHOTO: San Diego Humane Society)
“Every day with Hannah Shirley is a gift,” said Autumn Welch, Wildlife Operations Manager at the Ramona Wildlife 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.”
“Anyone who meets Hannah falls in love with her,” said Angela Hernandez-Cusick, Wildlife Rehabilitation Supervisor at the Ramona Wildlife Center. “Her free spirit captures the joy of working with wildlife—we’re lucky to care for such a special species.”
She is one of just a few dozen pygmy hippos in managed care in North America, and serves as an ambassador for her vulnerable species, the Humane Society said. Hannah is recognized in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Regional Studbook as animal #365, which tracks all pygmy hippos living in managed care around the globe.
