Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS)A Scottish zoo has reopened its pygmy hippo house after welcoming Scotland’s very own Moo Deng.
The tiny infant, Haggis, arrived at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to parents Otto and Gloria on October 30.
Following her birth, the pygmy hippo house was closed so staff could closely monitor Haggis and her mother.
However, after the first 30 days of her life, which are critical for development, the youngster can now be spotted by visitors in her habitat at the zoo alongside her mum.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS)Edinburgh Zoo said Haggis is becoming “bolder each day and spending more time exploring inside”.
After Haggis’ arrival, Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said she was already letting her personality shine, and now visitors can see it firsthand.
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS)The arrival came after another young pygmy hippo named Moo Deng became a viral sensation through videos shared by keepers at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand.
The tiny hippo became a global icon thanks to her feisty personality.
Visitors travelled from near and far 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 in Thai, English, and Chinese posted prominently at the front against throwing things at Moo Deng.
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” who will connect visitors with the species and hopes she will help raise awareness of the challenges they face in the wild.
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 is 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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