Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a new pygmy hippo calf, a surprise arrival born to parents Otto and Gloria on Friday, July 31. The newborn's birth came just days after the zoo announced Gloria was pregnant, catching keepers and veterinarians off guard as they had anticipated a later arrival.
The calf is currently bonding with its mother, Gloria, in private. Hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard stated that the priority is to allow the pair time to rest and feed before introducing them to the public. "It has been a really exciting few days for the team and we are all delighted to see Gloria and her calf doing so well," Appleyard said. "Our main aim right now is to give them some private time until they show signs they are ready to meet the world."
Gloria is an experienced mother, having previously given birth to a daughter named Amara in 2021 and another calf, Haggis, in 2024. Haggis gained a following for her playful personality and frequent appearances on the zoo's social media channels.
The zoo has not yet confirmed the gender of the new calf, with health checks planned to determine it. This latest arrival arrives shortly after the international fame of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand on July 10, 2024. Moo Deng, whose name translates to 'bouncy pork' in Thai, became a viral sensation through videos posted by zookeepers, amassing millions of followers and inspiring artwork and merchandise.
The pygmy hippo is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, with an estimated wild population of only 2,500 due to habitat loss. Edinburgh Zoo will announce when the new calf will be visible to visitors after the initial bonding period.