Pygmy Hippo​ Celebrates 50th Birthday At Ramona Wildlife Center

RAMONA, CA — Staff and volunteers at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center celebrated the 50th birthday of a pygmy hippopotamus.

Hannah Shirley was celebrated Wednesday with presents and a cake made out of a watermelon base, papaya "frosting," spaghetti squash, sweet grain and horse treat sprinkles. Despite being a nocturnal animal, she decided to take part and enjoy the golden jubilee celebration, according to the San Diego Humane Society.

"You can tell how loved Hannah Shirley is by our staff and volunteers just by looking at the details in this celebration," said Andy Blue, campus director of the Ramona Wildlife Center. "She's treated like royalty every day, but reaching 50 years old is an incredible milestone for an animal who wouldn't typically surpass 30 in the wild."

Hannah Shirley is North America's oldest pygmy hippo in managed care, according to the San Diego Humane Society. She is one of 15 wild ambassador animals at the Ramona Wildlife Center.

Hannah Shirley has lived at the center since 2002, when she was discovered in a residential backyard in Escondido. The pygmy hippo, who weighs about 500 pounds, lives in a 13,000-square-foot paddock, complete with a swimming pool and natural pond.