Move over Moo Deng, there’s a new Pygmy hippo in town!
Edinburgh Zoo have announced the arrival of a new Pygmy hippo, to rival the internet sensation Moo Deng.
The baby hippo, who’s been named Haggis, hopes to follow in the viral footsteps of Moo Deng, who resides in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.
Edinburgh Zoo posted to X: “Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing... Haggis.”
Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing… Haggis ???????
Otto and Gloria have welcomed an ADORABLE pygmy hippo calf! She is doing well, but we’ll be keeping the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert keepers can keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time ?? pic.twitter.com/ceGtARuzyR
— Edinburgh Zoo (@EdinburghZoo) November 4, 2024
Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “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.”
“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.”
Native to forests and swamps in West Africa, it is estimated that only 2,500 Pygmy hippos are left in the wild due to habitat loss.
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