Baby pygmy hippo Piper ventures outside for first time under watchful eye of mum Gloria

Piper, the baby pygmy hippo, has been spotted exploring the outside area of her enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo.

Piper’s birth came as a pleasant surprise for zookeepers after she arrived a little earlier than expected to parents Gloria and Otto.

The one-month-old has been growing in confidence and has developed a “sassy” attitude, keepers said.

She recently took a dip in the pool and has now ventured outside for the very first time under the watchful eye of her mum, Gloria.

Piper has been spotted outdoors for the first time. RZSS

The team at Edinburgh Zoo are keeping a close eye on Piper as she becomes more inquisitive.

She will likely spend more time outdoors exploring her surroundings, but with colder weather approaching, the pygmy hippo could choose to remain indoors.

Piper is the third calf to be born to Otto and Gloria, following Amara in 2021 and Haggis in 2024.

Haggis became a viral sensation, with crowds descending on Edinburgh Zoo hoping to catch a glimpse of the calf.

Amara moved to ZSL London Zoo in 2023 as part of the European breeding programme for the endangered species, while Haggis moved to Wingham Wildlife Park in 2025.