Edinburgh Zoo’s viral sensation, Haggis the baby pygmy hippo has been pictured making a splash during a winter swim in an adorable new photo. Now eight weeks old, the animal was snapped frolicking in the pool during a daily swimming session, under the watchful eye of mum Gloria.
Haggis achieved internet fame after being born on 30 October at Edinburgh Zoo, thanks to a global obsession with pygmy hippos sparked by viral hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. The wintry temperatures haven’t stopped Haggis from getting the hang of swimming, which is vital for the endangered hippo species to keep their skin moist and regulate their temperature.
Native to West Africa, it is estimated there are only 2,500 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild.
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Hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard at Edinburgh Zoo told the BBC earlier this year: “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.”
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