A Scottish zoo has welcomed it’s very own Moo Deng after the birth of a pygmy hippo calf.
The tiny infant, named Haggis, arrived at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to parents Otto and Gloria on October, 30.
Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said the new addition is doing “really well” and already letting her personality shine.
“The first 30 days are critical for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for now to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time,” he added.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS)The arrival comes after another young pygmy hippo, named Moo Deng, became a viral sensation after a zoo keeper at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand, shared videos of her.
The youngster became a global icon after the zoo shared her feisty personality on social media.
Visitors travelled from near and far for a chance to see the pudgy, expressive two-month-old in person at the zoo about 60 miles south-east of Bangkok.
The hippo pit now has a warning sign against throwing things at Moo Deng — posted prominently at the front in Thai, English and Chinese.
Moo Deng, which means “bouncy pork” in Thai, is a type of meatball.
The name was chosen by fans via a poll on social media, and it matches her other siblings: Moo Toon (stewed pork) and Moo Waan (sweet pork).
Mr Appleyard said that Haggis is Scotland’s “own little ambassador” will connect visitors with the species and hopes she will help raise awareness of the challenges they face in the wild.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS)Mr Appleyard added: “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.”
The species is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia, and are listed as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN).
It is estimated that just 2,500 remain in the wild due to habitat loss.
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