Pygmy Hippo Day 2025 took place once again in Côte d’Ivoire on December 17, 2025! Who would have ever thought that the pygmy hippopotamus would be mentioned in the same sentence as football, drawing contests, dancing, and parades? Yet it happened. In this special way, more than 1000 people came together in the village of Djouroutou to draw attention to the pygmy hippo. And it even made the news in Côte d’Ivoire, how awesome!
We are proud that we can contribute to the protection of the pygmy hippo not only by conducting research, but also by involving the local community that lives close to this beautiful animal. In this way, the next generation can grow up with more knowledge about the pygmy hippo and how we can protect it.
A short summary of the day:
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The day began with a parade in which children sang at the top of their lungs: “Pygmy hippo, don’t kill them, they are our friends!” Everyone wore a shirt with a pygmy hippo on it. We had never seen so many pygmy hippo enthusiasts (and heard so much noise!) together in one place.
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This was followed by speeches emphasizing how important it is for everyone to be involved in protecting this species.
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There was a quiz, dancing, a football match, and much more, all aimed at bringing children and parents together around the pygmy hippo.
With Pygmy Hippo Day, we give a voice to the pygmy hippo and to local communities. In this way, understanding grows about why this species is so threatened and how important protection is. More knowledge, more attention, and more involvement lead to more enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm is passed on. Let’s make sure to keep this wonderful example going!
