Three-week-old pygmy hippo Piper took her first tentative dip in a pool at Edinburgh Zoo on August 25. The young hippo followed her mother, Gloria, into the water before embarking on a solo paddle.
Piper explored the pool, inspecting a piece of driftwood during her swim. After her exertions, the calf rested beside her mother in the water. Hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard provided assistance when it was time for Piper to exit the pool and dry off.
The pygmy hippo was born at the zoo on July 31 to parents Otto and Gloria. Zookeepers named her Piper after her first health check confirmed she was female and weighed just under 5.5 kilograms (12 pounds). The name was chosen because she makes "cute little huffs and puffs," similar to the sound of a bagpipe, according to senior hoofstock keeper Jade Robertson.
Robertson added that Piper is currently under her mother's care to build confidence and strength. Adult female pygmy hippos typically reach up to 3 feet in height, 5.5 feet in length, and weigh between 160 and 270 kilograms (350 to 600 pounds).
As Piper grows, zookeepers anticipate her personality will develop, leading to more adventurous behavior while she remains close to Gloria.