Home of Haggis the hippo

Move over nessie! There’s a new wee legend in town

Haggis the baby pygmy hippo in a pile of straw IMAGE: Laura Moore 2024
Baby pygmy hippopotamus Haggis beginning to swim at Edinburgh Zoo IMAGE Rhiordan Langan-Fortune 2024

Moo deng, who?

Small but mighty, we're delighted to introduce Haggis to Scotland!

Our tiny Endangered pygmy hippo calf was born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo to parents Otto and Gloria on Wednesday 30 October. 

While Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare. 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.

You OTTO get to know the whole family

We promise they do more than just sleep...

Pygmy hippo Otto asleep in the mud IMAGE: Laura Moore 2021

Otto

Father of our hippo fam, Otto. 

Pygmy hippo Gloria asleep in the sand IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023

Gloria

Big and chunky, it's mum Gloria!

Haggis the baby pygmy hippo in a pile of straw

IMAGE: Laura Moore 2024

Haggis

New calf on the block, Haggis.

Explore Haggis' Trivia Trail!

Haggis' Trivia Trail location

About the trail

Follow along our Trivia Trail with Haggis, Edinburgh Zoo’s newest wee arrival!

Learn together about our pygmy hippo family and the amazing animals that call the zoo home. Stomp or trot your way through a series of questions for the chance to reveal a reward in our gift shop.

Follow the pink posters and perfect your pygmy plod!

Wee hippos, big hearts

Pygmy hippo side profile IMAGE: Comms 2021

Pygmy hippos are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) and it is estimated that just 2,500 remain in the wild.

More about pygmy hippos
Haggis the baby pygmy hippo in a pile of straw IMAGE: Laura Moore 2024

Otto, Gloria and Haggis are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year.

Our conservation work
Gloria and Otto sunbathing in the mud IMAGE: Laura Moore 2021

They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

Help us protect nature

Learn more about our hippos

Hear first-hand from our keepers all about our Pygmy Hippos at our Tea and Talks event at 11am on Wednesday 22 January 2025.

Our tea and talk sessions are small-scale talks from the RZSS team in the stunning setting of our Mansion House at Edinburgh Zoo.

Your ticket includes entry to the zoo for the rest of the day, tea, coffee and a selection of biscuits. 

Book tickets now
Pygmy hippo Gloria asleep in the sand IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2023

Haggis and hippo family news

For all the latest information about Otto, Gloria and wee baby Haggis, visit our news page!

Pygmy updates
Pygmy hippo Otto walking in Autumn leaves 

IMAGE: Jasmine Geddes 2021