SCOTLAND’S answer to viral pygmy hippo favourite Moo Deng has been born at Edinburgh Zoo.
The ‘incredibly rare’ and endangered mammal was born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) on Wednesday October 30.
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The female calf, who has been named Haggis by the wildlife conservation charity, was brought into the world by her parents Otto and Gloria.
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.”
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 (ICUN) and it is estimated that just 2,500 remain in the wild due to habitat loss.
The “incredibly rare” breed captured the attention of social media this summer when baby pygmy hippo Moo Deng became a viral internet sensation.
Now thousands of fans flock to the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi for a glimpse of the tiny hippo.
Jonny 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.”
Meanwhile, there is another pygmy hippo threatening to steal the hearts of animal lovers.
Lololi at Taronga Zoo in Sydney was born to 13-year-old mom Kambiri, weighing just 8.8lbs and has also become a social media star.
The adorable hippo – who is now nine months old and whose name translates to ‘there is always love‘ in West Africa – has since grown to a chunky 143.3 lbs.
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