Edinburgh Zoo Announces Birth of “Incredibly Rare” Pygmy Hippo Calf

A female baby hippopotamus, described as “incredibly rare,” has been born at Edinburgh Zoo. The tiny, endangered pygmy hippo calf, named Haggis, arrived on 30 October. Zookeepers have noted that her personality is “beginning to shine” already. Pygmy hippos, also known as dwarf hippos, are indigenous to West Africa. Experts estimate that only about 2,500 individuals remain in the wild globally. In September, a pygmy hippo from Thailand named Moo Deng achieved viral fame, featuring in numerous memes due to her distinctive frame and podgy proportions. Jonny Appleyard, the hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, commented: “Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already.” He further stated that the zoo’s pygmy hippo house would be closed for a month. This closure is due to the first 30 days after birth being considered “critical” for Haggis’ development. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) classifies the species as endangered. This status is attributed to various factors, including habitat loss and the fact that it is hunted for food in Liberia. Mr. Appleyard added: “While Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare. 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.” Haggis’s parents, Otto and Gloria, previously welcomed a calf named Amara in 2021. Amara subsequently moved to ZSL London Zoo in 2023 as part of a European breeding programme. Last month, Khao Kheow Open Zoo had to issue a warning to visitors, advising them not to attempt to wake up Moo Deng. This followed a significant surge in the hippo’s popularity, which led to a substantial increase in visitor numbers at the zoo. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.