RZSSBaby pygmy hippo Piper has taken her first swim under the watchful eye of her mum.
The three-week-old pygmy hippo surprised staff when she was born weeks early to parents Gloria and Otto at Edinburgh Zoo last month.
Piper, whose older sister Haggis became a viral sensation in 2024, has already delighted keepers and visitors with her sassy personality.
She followed her mum, Gloria, for a lap of the pool and was later seen nibbling on driftwood.
RZSSWhen it was time to head for dry land, she made her way with a helping hand from animal team leader Jonny Appleyard.
Unlike common hippos, which often sleep and even give birth in water, pygmy hippos are much less aquatic.
They spend more time on land, entering the water mainly to rest or cool off, but can still hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes.
They are also a lot less social, often keeping themselves or forming pairs, but very rarely large groups.
Piper and her parents are now available to visit at their enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo.
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