Pygmy Hippo Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Pygmy Hippo Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Pygmy Hippo Day is observed on April 8th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Pygmy Hippo Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about Pygmy Hippo Day.

📅 What day is Pygmy Hippo Day 2024?

In 2024, Pygmy Hippo Day is on Saturday, April 8th. It is the 2nd Saturday in April; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all fascinating details and facts about April 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Every year on April 8th, people observe “Pygmy Hippo Day” to bring attention to the endangered pygmy hippopotamus species. These hippos are smaller relatives of the regular hippopotamus and are in great danger of becoming extinct. Currently, there are only around 2,000 pygmy hippos left in the world, with the majority residing in Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. These unique creatures are about half the size of a full-grown hippopotamus and weigh less than a quarter of their larger counterparts. It is believed that pygmy hippos diverged from the common hippo around 10 million years ago.

📜 Pygmy Hippo Day History

The pygmy hippos were first identified in 1849 and were considered distinct enough to be given their own genus, called Choeropsis, in 1852. However, in the 1970s, it was discovered that they were actually the same as the fossil hippos belonging to the Hexaprotodon group. By the 1990s, it was believed that the pygmy hippo was the only surviving member of the Hexaprotodon group.

The earliest fossils of modern hippos, specifically the Hippopotamine clade within the Hippopotamidae family, were found in eastern Africa during the Upper Miocene. There are also older hippos that are not part of the main groups, known as the crown groups, that help to expand our understanding. For example, Kenyapotamus has been found in the Middle and Upper Miocene of Kenya, Tunisia, and Ethiopia, and there are three more species from the Lower Miocene of Kenya, including Morotochoerus from Uganda and Kulutherium from Kenya.

✅ Pygmy Hippo Day Facts

🔖 They are the third-largest mammals
Following elephants and white rhinos, they rank as the third-largest creatures on the Earth.

🔖 They are active at night
Hippos tend to be most active during the night when they engage in various activities, such as searching for food.

🔖 They are herbivores
Hippos, which are plant-eating animals, typically eat around 80 pounds of grass on a daily basis.

👍 Why Is Pygmy Hippo Day Important

This day serves as a reminder of the value of hippos to the globe. It also emphasizes hippos’ fragile status and the necessity to protect them.

This day honors the magnificent creatures known as hippos. Hippos enrich the ecology and are critical to the survival of many species.

It raises awareness of the pygmy hippos’ endangered status. It encourages people to help rescue this species from extinction.

🙂 How To Observe Pygmy Hippo Day

⚡ Volunteer

⚡ Research
Explore the challenges faced by hippos and the dangers that jeopardize their existence. Discover ways to improve their living conditions and well-being.

⚡ Spread awareness
Volunteer to assist in any manner you can. Volunteer and contribute to help save hippos’ lives.

📅 When is Pygmy Hippo Day?

You can view all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Animal and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and cool facts about Pygmy Hippo Day. So be sure to check back soon.