The world’s oldest pygmy hippopotamus, Hannah Shirley, recently celebrated her birthday in style at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. Hannah, who was rescued from a private backyard in Escondido, California in 2002, turned 51 years, 6 months, and 2 days old on May 25, 2025, surpassing the previous record for the oldest pygmy hippo in managed care.
Hannah’s birthday celebration included a watermelon treat and party decorations, making it a festive occasion for the charming pachyderm. Born on November 22, 1973, Hannah is recognized as animal #365 in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Regional Studbook, which tracks pygmy hippos living in managed care facilities worldwide.
Pygmy hippos like Hannah are native to the swamps and forests of West Africa, particularly in Liberia. With only about 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild due to habitat loss from human activities, these endangered species are crucially important to conservation efforts. In North America, only a few dozen pygmy hippos live in managed care facilities, including the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in Pennsylvania and the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.
Hannah’s playful spirit, resilience, and sweet personality make her a special ambassador for her species, showcasing how excellent care can help animals thrive beyond expectations. Living in a 13,000-square-foot paddock at the Ramona Wildlife Center, Hannah continues to inspire visitors and caretakers alike with her longevity and vitality.
With breakthroughs and discoveries like Hannah’s story, the importance of conservation efforts and wildlife protection is highlighted, ensuring that future generations can also enjoy the presence of these unique and beloved animals. Hannah’s milestone birthday serves as a reminder of the impact of human actions on the natural world and the importance of preserving biodiversity for the benefit of all species. The world is constantly evolving with new technologies and innovations, and one of the most exciting developments in recent years is the rise of virtual reality (VR) technology. Virtual reality has the potential to revolutionize industries ranging from gaming and entertainment to healthcare and education. With VR, users can immerse themselves in a digital environment and interact with it in a way that feels incredibly real.
One of the most popular applications of virtual reality is in the gaming industry. VR gaming allows players to step into the game world and experience it in a whole new way. Instead of just watching a character on a screen, players can become that character and engage with the game environment in a way that was previously impossible. This level of immersion and realism has captured the imaginations of gamers around the world and has the potential to completely transform the gaming experience.
But VR technology is not just limited to gaming. In the healthcare industry, virtual reality is being used to train medical professionals in a realistic and risk-free environment. Surgeons can practice complex procedures on virtual patients before ever setting foot in an operating room, leading to better outcomes for patients. VR is also being used to treat phobias and PTSD by exposing patients to their fears in a controlled environment.
In the field of education, virtual reality is opening up new possibilities for learning. Students can take virtual field trips to far-off locations, explore the human body in 3D, or even travel back in time to important historical events. This hands-on, immersive approach to learning has been shown to increase engagement and retention among students, making education more effective and enjoyable.
Virtual reality is also making waves in the world of architecture and design. Architects can create virtual models of buildings and spaces, allowing clients to explore and interact with their designs before construction even begins. This not only helps clients visualize the final product, but also allows designers to identify and address potential issues early on in the process.
As virtual reality technology continues to advance, the possibilities are endless. From entertainment and education to healthcare and design, VR has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with the world around us. As more industries embrace this exciting technology, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of virtual reality in the years to come. The world of high fashion is constantly evolving, with trends coming and going at a rapid pace. One trend that has been gaining momentum in recent years is the rise of sustainable and ethical fashion. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices, designers and brands are increasingly turning to more sustainable practices in order to meet this demand.
One brand that has been at the forefront of this movement is Stella McCartney. Known for her commitment to animal rights and sustainability, McCartney has been a pioneer in the fashion industry when it comes to creating environmentally friendly and ethically produced clothing.
One of the key ways in which McCartney has been able to achieve this is through her use of alternative materials. Instead of traditional leather and fur, McCartney uses innovative materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and even lab-grown silk. By eschewing animal products in her designs, McCartney is able to create luxurious and high-quality pieces that are also cruelty-free.
In addition to her choice of materials, McCartney also focuses on reducing waste in the production process. She works closely with her suppliers to ensure that excess fabric is minimized, and she also designs her collections with longevity in mind. By creating timeless pieces that can be worn season after season, McCartney encourages consumers to buy less and choose quality over quantity.
McCartney’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond just her clothing. She also pays close attention to the environmental impact of her packaging and shipping practices, using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible. She has also implemented initiatives such as a garment recycling program, where customers can return their old Stella McCartney pieces to be repurposed or recycled.
Overall, Stella McCartney’s dedication to sustainability and ethical fashion sets a powerful example for the rest of the industry. By prioritizing the well-being of both animals and the planet, McCartney proves that it is possible to create beautiful, high-fashion clothing without compromising on values. As more designers and brands follow in her footsteps, the future of fashion looks bright – and sustainable.
