Baby pygmy hippo Piper explores pool in first paddle
Posted 25 Aug 2026 in Edinburgh Zoo
Baby pygmy hippo Piper has taken her first swim at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo. The adorable three-week-old followed mum Gloria into the pool before gaining the confidence to explore on her own.
After a lap of the pool and a tentative nibble on some driftwood Piper patiently waited by mum as she snoozed in the water. When it was time to head for dry land she made her way with a helping hand from animal team leader Jonny Appleyard.
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