Edinburgh zoo’s pygmy hippo Haggis could be internet rival to Moo Deng | Wildlife

Edinburgh zoo has announced the birth of a pygmy hippo to rival Thailand’s internet hit, Moo Deng.

Khao Kheow open zoo’s Moo Deng went viral on social media earlier this year and fans became obsessed by her personality and charm.

However, now Scotland has its very own new arrival, which was announced on Monday.

The zoo posted to X on 4 November: “Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing … Haggis.

“Otto and Gloria have welcomed an ADORABLE pygmy hippo calf! She is doing well, but we’ll be keeping the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert keepers can keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.”

Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh zoo, said: “Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already.

“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.

“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 female calf was born on 30 October.

Pygmy hippos are native to forests and swamps in west Africa. It is estimated that only 2,500 are left in the wild due to habitat loss.

To celebrate Haggis’s arrival, Edinburgh zoo is offering people the chance to meet her, and funds raised will go towards animal care.

Edinburgh zoo’s X account playfully apologised for pitting Haggis and Moo Deng against one another later on Monday, posting: “Sorry guys this is our official notes app apology.

“We were wrong to pit Haggis and Moo Deng against each other.

“There is space in this world for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas and we should celebrate them all.

“Sorry to Moo Deng. Let’s work it out on the remix.”

Moo deng literally means “bouncy pork” in Thai and refers to a type of meatball.