Introducing Haggis! This adorable pygmy hippo calf, born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo on October 30, is the offspring of the zoo’s adult pygmy hippos Otto and Glorida.
While Moo Deng from Thailand has gained fame for her feisty personality and knee-biting antics, Haggis is just starting to showcase her own unique character.
According to Jonny Appleyard, the hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, “Haggis is thriving and we can already see her personality shining through. The first 30 days are crucial for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be temporarily closed to ensure close monitoring of the mother and baby during this sensitive period.”
Video credit RZSS
Here are some interesting facts about these now internet-famous pygmy hippos:
Where do pygmy hippos live in the wild?
Pygmy hippos like Haggis and Moo Deng are indigenous to the forests and swamps of West Africa, particularly in Liberia.
[Related: American hippopotamus ranching almost took off 100 years ago.]
How much do pygmy hippos weigh?
Adult pygmy hippos typically weigh between 350 and 600 pounds, similar to some domestic pigs. Despite their compact size, these large mammals can reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
What do pygmy hippos eat?
Similar to cows, pygmy hippos have four stomach chambers and spend a significant amount of time each day grazing on grasses, roots, stems, leaves, fruits, and other vegetation.
To help these animals acclimate to different climates, zookeepers closely monitor their behavior, provide access to temperature-regulated areas, and ensure environmental enrichment within their enclosures.
[Related: Humans likely wiped out Cyprus’ tiny hippos and elephants in record time.]
Are they endangered?
Pygmy hippos are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) due to habitat loss caused by human activities, with only an estimated 2,500 individuals remaining in the wild.
Historically, similar species of dwarf hippos and elephants were driven to extinction by paleolithic humans, as evidenced by a study from September 2024 that highlighted the rapid decline of these species on the island of Cyprus.
Which zoos have pygmy hippo exhibits?
While the pygmy hippo exhibit is temporarily closed at the Edinburgh Zoo, other zoos in the United States, such as the San Diego Zoo in California, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium in Pennsylvania, and Lincoln Park Zoo in Illinois, offer opportunities to see these fascinating creatures. In a recent celebration, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, honored their pygmy hippo Jahari’s 10th birthday with a special frozen treat.
Appleyard emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about the challenges faced by pygmy hippos in the wild, stating, “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.”
