Edinburgh Zoo reveals name of baby pygmy hippo

Edinburgh Zoo’s one-week-old pygmy hippo has been named.

Keepers have named the new “pint-sized” arrival Piper, after her first health check confirmed she’s a girl.

The youngster was born on Friday July 31, on the same day the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) announced mum Gloria was expecting.

She is currently being cared for behind closed doors.

Piper's first health check confirmed she's a girl — Piper’s first health check confirmed she’s a girl RZSS

Jade Robertson, senior hoofstock keeper at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We all felt she was a wee girl from the moment we met her, so it is good to have that hunch confirmed!

“We went with Piper because she’s like a little bagpipe – always making cute little huffs and puffs.”

Vets have weighed Piper, given her a warm bath and carried out examinations.

Jade added: “She’s still only a dot at the moment, weighing just under 5.5 kilos.

“She will soon start piling on the pounds because her mum’s milk is so rich and nutritious.

“As Piper gets bigger, we’ll start to see more of her personality.”

Mum Gloria is no stranger to the spotlight, or motherhood, having given birth to viral internet sensation Haggis back in 2024.

Haggis captured hearts across the world after featuring in viral videos, and even making her way onto Saturday Night Live.

Haggis became an internet sensation RZSS

Last October, Haggis was moved to her new home at Wingham Wildlife Park in Kent.

Dr Stephanie Mota, head vet at RZSS, said: “I was really pleased with mum and baby during the health check.

“Gloria did a great job raising Amara and Haggis, and she’s very comfortable with the keepers and vets knowing we are there to help.”

Lucky visitors may even get the chance to spot mum and daughter over the coming days, but access to the zoo’s hippo house will depend on the pair’s wellbeing.

Visitors are advised to check Edinburgh Zoo’s social media channels for the latest updates.