Humane Society’s Hannah Shirley, a beloved pygmy hippopotamus, celebrates milestone

Pygmy hippopotamus Hannah Shirley at her Humane Society birthday bash File photo courtesy San Diego Humane Society s Ramona Wildlife Center The San Diego Humane Society s Ramona Wildlife Center is celebrating a historic milestone Sunday as their grand dame and beloved pygmy hippopotamus Hannah Shirley became the oldest such animal ever in managed care Hannah Shirley the Humane Society s pygmy hippopotamus Courtesy SDHS The center disclosed Hannah surpassed the previous record of years months and days on Sunday an extraordinary milestone for a species that typically lives to years in the wild Every day with Hannah Shirley is a gift noted Autumn Welch the center s wildlife operations manager in a release 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 was born on Nov and is recognized in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Regional Studbook which tracks all pygmy hippos living in managed care around the globe Anyone who meets Hannah falls in love with her commented Angela Hernandez-Cusick the facility s wildlife rehabilitation supervisor Her free spirit captures the happiness of working with wildlife we re lucky to care for such a special species Hannah Shirley has lived at the Ramona Wildlife Center for years Hannah Shirley the Humane Society s pygmy hippopotamus Courtesy SDHS She was rescued in after being uncovered in a private backyard in Escondido Since then executives at the wildlife center say she has enjoyed a peaceful and enriched life in a spacious -square-foot paddock complete with a natural pond and pool Her daily routine includes spa-like back rubs sprinkler showers and her favorite food She was rescued and transported to what was then called the Fund for Animals Wildlife Center The San Diego Humane Society acquired the facility on Sept and has since assumed care of the beloved animal Hannah s care is managed by the organization s Project Wildlife organization which ensures she receives the individualized attention and specialized nutrition needed to promotion her advanced age Representatives say that as one of just a sparse dozen pygmy hippos in managed care in North America Hannah serves as a beloved ambassador for her vulnerable species More information can be determined here City News Operation contributed to this statement