A TINY endangered hippo calf named Haggis has been born at Edinburgh Zoo.
Born to parents Otto and Gloria, the female calf arrived on Wednesday, October 30 and is said to be doing “really well so far”.
Pygmy hippos are native to the forests and swamps of west Africa, primarily Liberia. The species is classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
A tiny endangered pygmy hippo calf has been born at Edinburgh Zoo 😍 Haggis was born to parents Otto and Gloria and staff have said she is doing 'really well' so far 🦛 pic.twitter.com/PyYEc3Wkk5
— The National (@ScotNational) November 4, 2024
It is estimated that only around 2500 remain in the wild due to habitat loss.
Hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo Jonny Appleyard commented: “Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already.
“The first 30 days are critical for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for now to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.”
He added that Scotland had now welcomed its own Moo Deng – a baby pygmy hippo which went viral across the globe.
“It is great to have our own little ambassador right here in Edinburgh to connect with our visitors and help raise awareness of the challenges the species face in the wild.”
Later, the zoo jokingly posted an apology "for pitting Haggis and Moo Deng against each other" on Twitter/X, adding: "There is space in this world for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas and we should celebrate them all. Sorry to Moo Deng. Let's work it out on the remix."
