Meet Haggis: The New Pygmy Hippo Calf 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 character. Based on Jonny Appleyard, Hoofstock Crew Chief at Edinburgh Zoo, Haggis is “doing very well to this point” and her early interactions have thrilled the zookeepers. Nevertheless, the pygmy hippo home will stay closed for the subsequent month to make sure the calf’s improvement through the crucial early days of life.

Pygmy Hippos at Threat of Extinction

Pygmy hippos, native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, face vital threats to their survival. With fewer than 2,500 remaining within the wild, the species is presently labeled as endangered by the Worldwide Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat destruction and looking are the major causes behind their decline, particularly in nations like Liberia the place they’re focused for bushmeat. Conservation efforts are underway in varied nations, and every delivery in captivity, resembling Haggis’s, offers a vital alternative to lift public consciousness concerning the pressing want for cover.

World Curiosity in Pygmy Hippos Following Viral Fame

The recognition of pygmy hippos surged lately when a hippo named Moo Deng from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo grew to become a social media sensation resulting from her lovable look. Edinburgh Zoo’s new arrival, Haggis, now serves as an envoy of types 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 range inside captive pygmy hippo populations.