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Pygmy Hippo Day

Get ready to "hippo" around on Pygmy Hippo Day! Learn about these adorable and endangered creatures while supporting their conservation efforts.

Thursday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 8

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYWildlife

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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.

TIMELINE

Pygmy Hippo Day Timeline

Pygmy Hippo Discovery

The pygmy hippopotamus was first scientifically described by Samuel G. Morton in Liberia where they are native.

First Pygmy Hippo in Zoo

The Zoo Basel in Switzerland becomes the first to host a pygmy hippo in captivity, greatly increasing public awareness about the species.

Endangered Species Status

The IUCN officially lists the Pygmy Hippo as endangered, owing to habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat.

Creation of Pygmy Hippo Day

The World Wildlife Fund establishes Pygmy Hippo Day to be celebrated every April 8, aiming to raise global conservation awareness for this unique species.

Global Conservation Efforts

Zoos worldwide, such as in Australia, Japan, and Denmark, join the conservation efforts, creating breeding programs to ensure the survival of the species.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Pygmy Hippo Day

Visit a zoo with pygmy hippos

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.

LEARN

Learn about pygmy hippos

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.

DONATE

Donate to a pygmy hippo conservation organization

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.

MAKE

Make pygmy hippo-themed crafts

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.

HOST

Host a pygmy hippo party

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Pygmy Hippo Day

They have unique characteristics and behaviors

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!

They're adorable

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.

They're endangered

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.

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