New Pygmy Hippo Is by Far the Cutest Baby in Scotland
A pygmy hippo calf entered the world in Scotland a couple weeks ago, far from its natural stomping grounds of the forests and swamps of West Africa. Born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's Edinburgh Zoo, the baby girl has been named after the national dish, Haggis.
“Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already,” says the zoo’s hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard. “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.”
The zoo instigated a friendly rivalry with Moo Deng, the internationally famous baby pygmy hippo in Thailand. Haggis will have more privacy, at least for her first month on the planet, as the pygmy hippo house in Edinburgh will be closed “to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.” Mum is named Gloria; the father is Otto.
Haggis has a sibling, a girl named Amara born in 2021 and relocated to the London Zoo in 2023 as part of a breeding program for the species. There are about 2,500 pygmy hippos in the wild in West Africa, where poaching and habitat loss have made them an endangered species.
Based on the tender care these creatures receive in captivity – not to mention the international fame – perhaps they’re lucky to be born so far from home.
The Edinburgh Zoo has launched a contest in which the winning entry will have a private visit with Haggis, Gloria, and Otto. £5 to enter.
Photo credit: RZSS Edinburgh Zoo
