It looks like the internet’s beloved Moo Deng has an equally cute counterpart from the Edinburgh Zoo: Haggis, a two-week-old pygmy hippo who is gaining viral attention of her own.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo revealed that the calf was born on October 30th — we love a spooky season gal — to parents Gloria and Otto. She is doing quite well, and we suspect that she could potentially develop a similar sassy energy as her pygmy pal, Moo Deng.
“While Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare,” said Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo.
“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.”
And to help with this effort, the zoo has initiated a little friendly competition between the two on social media.
“Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing… Haggis,” the zoo wrote on Instagram alongside b-roll of its newest member. To up the ante of her arrival, the attraction is holding a draw for one zoo-goer to win a unique pygmy hippo experience, a terrific opportunity, given the animals’ time in the spotlight. Keep in mind, only 2,500 of these West African native hippos are left in the wild.
If you’re up for some traveling, Haggis’ big sis Amara, who was born in 2021, has relocated to ZSL London Zoo as part of the European breeding program for this endangered species. As for Haggis herself, visitors might have to wait a bit before catching a glimpse of her in the flesh.
Jonny added, “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.”
We look forward to watching her adventures virtually and in-person when the time comes. For now, be sure to make a pitstop at NYC’s best zoos for animal adventures in your own backyard.