Edinburgh Zoo has just introduced its newest addition, a pygmy hippopotamus named Haggis, and she’s already winning hearts as Scotland’s newest animal sensation.
Haggis’ debut comes as a rival to Moo Deng, a pygmy hippopotamus from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, who went viral earlier this year with her personality and charm.
With the zoo’s official announcement, Haggis is already on its way to becoming a new favorite.
Haggis: Scotland’s pygmy hippo star
Edinburgh Zoo proudly introduced the new addition on November 4 on their social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter), delighting fans with the announcement: “Moo Deng? Who deng? Let me introduce… Haggis. Otto and Gloria welcomed an ADORABLE pygmy hippo! She is doing well, but we will keep the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert caregivers can keep a close eye on mother and baby during this sensitive time.”
Haggis was born on October 30 and has received careful attention from the zoo’s expert keepers to ensure her first days are as safe and smooth as possible.
For now, the hippo house will remain closed to give Haggis and her mother, Gloria, a quiet environment.
Jonny Appleyard, ungulate team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, shared his excitement about the new arrival, saying: “Haggis is doing really well so far, and it’s amazing to see her personality already starting to shine. The first thirty days are crucial for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for the time being so that we can keep a close eye on mother and baby during this sensitive time.”
Raising awareness for a rare species
While Moo Deng has attracted international attention, Appleyard emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about pygmy hippos as a species. Pygmy hippos are found in the forests and swamps of West Africa and are under constant threat in the wild, mainly due to habitat loss.
With only an estimated 2,500 individuals left, any birth in a protected environment like Edinburgh Zoo is an important step for the future of the species.
Appleyard expressed the zoo’s hope that the presence of Haggis will inspire visitors to connect with this rare species:
“Although Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare. It’s great to have our own little ambassador here in Edinburgh, who can connect with our visitors and help raise awareness of the challenges the species faces in the wild.”
Edinburgh Zoo has also created a unique opportunity for visitors to support their conservation efforts through special programs allowing people to meet Haggis. Money raised from these visits goes directly to animal care and conservation projects, helping to provide continued support for this endangered species.
A friendly rivalry is brewing between hippos on social media
With Haggis in the spotlight, Edinburgh Zoo’s social media team playfully addressed the inevitable comparisons between Haggis and Thailand’s famous Moo Deng.
Later in the day, the zoo’s X account posted a lighthearted “apology,” humorously acknowledging the friendly rivalry it created between the two beloved pygmy hippos.
“Sorry guys, this is our official apology for the notes app. It was wrong to pit Haggis and Moo Deng against each other. There is room in this world for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas and we should celebrate them all. Sorry to Moo Deng. Let’s work it out on the remix,” they said.
The post concluded with a nod to Moo Deng’s quirky name, which means “bouncy pork” in Thai and refers to a type of meatball. This playful exchange highlights the growing affection for pygmy hippos around the world, as fans cheer on these lovable animals from afar.
With Haggis as its newest ambassador, Edinburgh Zoo is hopeful she will draw attention to the unique charm of the pygmy hippopotamus and the urgent need to protect these rare animals in the wild.
