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Get ready to "hippo" around on Pygmy Hippo Day! Learn about these adorable and endangered creatures while supporting their conservation efforts.
Get ready to celebrate the adorable and lesser-known Pygmy Hippo on April 8 with Pygmy Hippo Day! This special day was created in 2015 by the World Wildlife Fund to raise awareness about this unique species and their conservation. These cute creatures are native to Africa and are smaller than their larger relatives, the common hippopotamus. Despite their small size, they are just as fascinating and deserve all the love and attention on this special day. So let's take a moment to appreciate these amazing animals and learn more about their importance in our ecosystem.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1840</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pygmy Hippo Discovery</div><div class='timeline-text'>The pygmy hippopotamus was first scientifically described by Samuel G. Morton in Liberia where they are native.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1912</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Pygmy Hippo in Zoo</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Zoo Basel in Switzerland becomes the first to host a pygmy hippo in captivity, greatly increasing public awareness about the species.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Endangered Species Status</div><div class='timeline-text'>The IUCN officially lists the Pygmy Hippo as endangered, owing to habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Pygmy Hippo Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The World Wildlife Fund establishes Pygmy Hippo Day to be celebrated every April 8, aiming to raise global conservation awareness for this unique species.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Conservation Efforts</div><div class='timeline-text'>Zoos worldwide, such as in Australia, Japan, and Denmark, join the conservation efforts, creating breeding programs to ensure the survival of the species.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a zoo with pygmy hippos</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day at a zoo that has pygmy hippos! Not all zoos have these adorable creatures, so do some research and make a trip to see them in person on Pygmy Hippo Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about pygmy hippos</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to learn more about pygmy hippos on their special day. You can read books, watch documentaries, or even attend a lecture at a local nature center or university.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Donate to a pygmy hippo conservation organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for these endangered animals by donating to a pygmy hippo conservation organization. Your contribution can help protect their habitats and ensure their survival for generations to come.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Make pygmy hippo-themed crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some pygmy hippo-themed crafts to celebrate their special day. You can make paper plate masks, sock puppets, or even a clay sculpture of a pygmy hippo.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a pygmy hippo party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your friends and family for a pygmy hippo party! Decorate with pygmy hippo decorations and serve snacks and drinks inspired by these cute animals. You can even play games like pin the tail on the hippo or have a pygmy hippo costume contest.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They're adorable</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pygmy hippos are one of the cutest animals out there. With their small size and playful nature, they have captured the hearts of people all around the world. National Pygmy Hippo Day is a great opportunity to celebrate and appreciate these adorable creatures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They're endangered</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sadly, pygmy hippos are considered endangered with only a few thousand left in the wild. This day serves as a reminder to take action to help protect and preserve these wonderful animals for future generations to enjoy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>They have unique characteristics and behaviors</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Despite their small size, pygmy hippos are still powerful creatures with some fascinating traits. For example, they have thick skin that helps them stay cool in hot weather, and their eyes and nostrils are on the top of their head so they can see and breathe while mostly submerged in water. Celebrate National Pygmy Hippo Day by learning more about these amazing animals!</p></div></div>
Pygmy Hippo Day is celebrated on April 8 every year. In 2024 Pygmy Hippo Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Apr 8
Saturday
2024
Apr 8
Monday
2025
Apr 8
Tuesday
2026
Apr 8
Wednesday
2027
Apr 8
Thursday
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