Move over, Moo Deng! Edinburgh Zoo has introduced the world to its latest arrival, a baby pygmy hippo named Haggis, who could give Thailand’s viral star a run for her money. The adorable calf, born on October 30, has captivated visitors and promises to become an online sensation in her own right.
Edinburgh Zoo Welcomes Haggis, the New Internet Darling
On November 4, Edinburgh Zoo joyfully announced the birth of a female pygmy hippo calf named Haggis, sparking excitement among wildlife lovers worldwide. Born to parents Otto and Gloria, Haggis is already drawing comparisons to Moo Deng, the internet-famous pygmy hippo from Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Edinburgh Zoo took to X (formerly Twitter) with a playful jab, posting, “Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing… Haggis.”
The birth is a major win for conservation, as pygmy hippos are a critically endangered species. With an estimated 2,500 pygmy hippos left in the wild, every birth is essential for preserving the species. Native to West African forests and swamps, these small hippos face threats from habitat loss and poaching, making Haggis’s arrival all the more meaningful.
“It’s amazing to see Haggis’s personality beginning to shine,” said Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo. “The first 30 days are critical, so we’re keeping the pygmy hippo house closed for now to allow mum and baby to bond.”
A Rising Star: Can Haggis Rival Moo Deng?
Earlier this year, Thailand’s Moo Deng captured hearts around the world with her playful nature and adorable personality, becoming a viral sensation on social media. Fans of Moo Deng—whose name translates to “bouncy pork” in Thai, referencing a type of meatball—have grown attached to her online presence.
But with Haggis now making her debut, the internet may soon have another pygmy hippo to adore. Edinburgh Zoo is playfully leaning into the rivalry between these two “hippo divas,” but they’ve also expressed the importance of using Haggis’s fame to raise awareness for conservation.
In a lighthearted follow-up, Edinburgh Zoo issued a playful “notes app apology,” posting, “Sorry guys, this is our official apology. We were wrong to pit Haggis and Moo Deng against each other. There’s room for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas, and we should celebrate them all.”
Why Haggis’s Birth Is So Important for Pygmy Hippo Conservation
While the rivalry between Haggis and Moo Deng may be playful, the underlying message about conservation is serious. Pygmy hippos are much rarer than their larger relatives, the common hippos, and their numbers in the wild are dangerously low. Habitat destruction, primarily due to logging and agriculture, has been a significant factor in the declining population of pygmy hippos, native to West Africa.
Edinburgh Zoo hopes Haggis can act as an “ambassador” for her species, educating visitors and online audiences about the struggles pygmy hippos face in the wild. “It’s great to have our own little ambassador here in Edinburgh,” said Appleyard. “Haggis’s birth helps us connect with visitors and highlight the challenges these animals face in the wild.”
In celebration of Haggis’s arrival, Edinburgh Zoo is offering fans the opportunity to meet her in person, with proceeds going toward the zoo’s animal care and conservation programs. This initiative will help fund the zoo’s efforts to support endangered species both locally and internationally.
Social Media Fans Celebrate the New Hippo Rivalry
Fans on social media have embraced the friendly rivalry between Moo Deng and Haggis, with many playfully debating who the true “internet hippo queen” should be. Edinburgh Zoo’s humorous posts on X have only fueled the hype, creating excitement for Haggis’s public debut once the hippo house reopens.
“Haggis vs. Moo Deng? It’s the hippo showdown we didn’t know we needed!” wrote one Twitter user, capturing the lighthearted energy that has surrounded the announcement.
This viral competition may actually benefit pygmy hippo awareness as fans of both Haggis and Moo Deng learn more about the species’ endangered status and the importance of conservation efforts.
A New Icon for Endangered Species Awareness
Haggis’s birth not only brings joy to Edinburgh Zoo but also serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges pygmy hippos face in the wild. As Haggis joins Moo Deng in the pantheon of internet-famous hippos, their popularity could play a meaningful role in raising awareness for this endangered species.
While Haggis and Moo Deng may be “rivals” online, Edinburgh Zoo’s message is clear: there’s room for all pygmy hippos in the hearts of animal lovers. Haggis, Scotland’s newest wildlife sensation, could inspire a new wave of conservation awareness, highlighting the need to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems that sustain pygmy hippos and other vulnerable species.
