Meet Haggis: An Extremely Uncommon Pygmy Hippo Born at Edinburgh Zoo

A uncommon pygmy hippo calf, named Haggis, was born at Edinburgh Zoo on October 30, marking an vital addition to the inhabitants of this endangered species. Weighing only a few kilograms, this tiny calf is already displaying a vigorous persona. In accordance with Jonny Appleyard, Hoofstock Crew Chief at Edinburgh Zoo, Haggis is “doing rather well thus far” and her early interactions have thrilled the zookeepers. Nonetheless, the pygmy hippo home will stay closed for the subsequent month to make sure the calf’s growth through the essential early days of life.

Pygmy Hippos at Danger of Extinction

Pygmy hippos, native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, face important threats to their survival. With fewer than 2,500 remaining within the wild, the species is at the moment labeled as endangered by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat destruction and looking are the first causes behind their decline, particularly in international locations like Liberia the place they’re focused for bushmeat. Conservation efforts are underway in numerous international locations, and every delivery in captivity, reminiscent of Haggis’s, gives an important alternative to boost public consciousness concerning the pressing want for defense.

International Curiosity in Pygmy Hippos Following Viral Fame

The recognition of pygmy hippos surged not too long ago when a hippo named Moo Deng from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo grew to become a social media sensation attributable to her lovely look. Edinburgh Zoo’s new arrival, Haggis, now serves as an envoy of kinds for her species, connecting guests with conservation messages concerning the challenges pygmy hippos face of their pure habitat.

Haggis’s mother and father, Otto and Gloria, had beforehand welcomed one other calf, Amara, in 2021. Amara was later relocated to ZSL London Zoo as a part of a European breeding initiative to strengthen genetic variety inside captive pygmy hippo populations.