World's oldest known pygmy hippo turns 52 at San Diego zoo

"Hannah, born in November 1973, surpassed the previous longevity record earlier this year. These hippos typically live 25 to 30 years in the wild. The team in San Diego took her in after she was rescued from a private backyard in Escondido in 2002. Since then, she has lived in a 13,000-sq-ft habitat with a pond and pool. Her routine includes spa-like back rubs, sprinkler showers and prepared meals that support her advanced age."

"Pygmy hippos are smaller cousins of the hippopotamus that are native to west Africa. They are much less aquatic than river hippos, and their heads are rounder and narrower, their necks are proportionally longer, and their eyes are not on top of their heads. A pygmy hippo's teeth only have one pair of incisors, while hippos have two or three."

Hannah Shirley, born November 1973, celebrated her 52nd birthday with a Hungry Hungry Hippos–themed party at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center, playing with colorful balls and receiving presents. Staff emphasize her playful spirit and resilience. Rescued from a private backyard in Escondido in 2002, Hannah lives in a 13,000-sq-ft habitat with a pond and pool and receives spa-like back rubs, sprinkler showers and prepared meals tailored for advanced age. Pygmy hippos are smaller, less aquatic relatives of river hippos native to west Africa, with distinct skull and dental features and roughly 2,000 estimated remaining in the wild.

Read at www.theguardian.com