Last week, Edinburgh Zoo welcomed newborn Pygmy Hippo ‘Haggis’, rivaling internet sensation Moo Deng .
Haggis was born on September 30 to parents Otto and Gloria at Edinburgh Zoo and is reportedly doing very well. Haggis is the same species as internet sensation Moo Deng, who went viral in September 2024. Now, the two baby animals are in an online battle of cuteness.
Pygmy hippos are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) and it is estimated that just 2,500 remain in the wild as a result of habitat loss.
Cuter than Moo Deng?
The pygmy hippo species has been popularised online after the rise in popularity of Moo Deng in September 2024, who lives at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. At two months old, she became a popular internet meme, with people from around the world falling in love with her the cute, chubby features.
Moo Deng being feisty, a trait that made her famous. Image Credit: Suru Chan on Twitter, image credit: The Independent
Visitors to Khao Kheow Open Zoo tripled after Moo Deng’s fame, and Edinburgh Zoo might well see more visitors once Haggis is old enough for the Pygmy House to re-open.
Jonny Appleyard is the hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo. He said that:
“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.”
Jonny 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 two Pygmy hippos have been pitched against each other in online cuteness contests, and you can see why – they are adorably raising awareness for the endangered Pygmy Hippo species, protecting their future whilst bringing joy to people around the world.
Featured Image Credit: Edinburgh Zoo
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