Visitors can now meet baby pygmy hippo Piper at Edinburgh Zoo
The newborn will follow in the footsteps of viral older sister Haggis
Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo can finally meet Piper, an adorable two-week-old pygmy hippo, as she makes her first public appearance at its Hippo House.
The pint-sized pygmy hippo, named after the “cute little huffs and puffs” she makes, will join mum Gloria in her indoor habitat which was closed to visitors to allow the mum and daughter to bond.
Piper’s arrival came as quite a surprise to keepers, arriving just hours after Gloria’s pregnancy was announced.
She will follow in the footsteps of her older sister Haggis who became a viral sensation in 2024 before being moved to another zoo as part of a breeding programme for the endangered species.
Native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, habitat loss means only an estimated 2,500 remain in the wild.
While several trial openings went well, those wanting to catch a glimpse are asked to keep the noise to a minimum to help the calf and mum remain happy and healthy.
Piper passed her first health check earlier this month with flying colours with senior hoofstock keeper Jade Roberts saying at the time: "She's still only a dot at the moment weighing just under 5.5 kilos. She will soon start piling on the pounds because her mum's milk is so rich and nutritious.
"As Piper gets bigger we'll start to see more of her personality. She will become more adventurous and confident spending time exploring her home while still sticking close to Gloria."
The hippo house is open to all but Edinburgh Zoo recommends visitors check on arrival as opening hours are subject to change.