Watch: Piper the pygmy hippo makes outdoor debut at Edinburgh Zoo
Keepers are gradually increasing the amount of time Piper spends outside
Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo can now see Piper the pygmy hippo in her outdoor habitat, where she is becoming more confident and inquisitive by the day, with keepers gradually increasing her time outside.
The one-month old baby pygmy hippo can now be seen by visitors exploring her outdoor habitat at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.
Keepers are gradually increasing the amount of time Piper spends outside as she becomes more confident and inquisitive.
The youngster has been getting to grips with all her sights and senses, figuring out her new surroundings, which include an outdoor pool and sandy areas giving her plenty to investigate.
Piper remains close to mum Gloria as she discovers more of her home, with keepers keeping a close eye on the pair as the calf continues to grow and develop.
The tiny hippo was born at Edinburgh Zoo on July 31 to parents Otto and Gloria, and was named Piper following her first health check.
Vets confirmed she was a girl during the check and chose her name because of the little ones “cute little huffs and puffs” which reminded them of a bagpipe.
At the time, Piper weighed just under 5.5kg, but keepers said she would soon begin piling on the pounds thanks to mum Glorias nutritious milk.
Piper has reached several milestones since her birth, making a confident debut in the zoo.
Earlier this month, visitors were given the chance to see her exploring her indoor habitat alongside Gloria after she had found her feet.
She then took her first swim in the zoo’s pool, following her mum into the water before gaining the confidence to go in on her own.
It is safe to say that little Piper is living the lush life and is reassuringly healthy and happy with her home.
To visit Piper and her Mum and dad, Otto and Gloria, visit here to book tickets.