The UK zoo has announced the birth of a new pygmy hippo(Image: RZSS / SWNS)

Moo Deng to get run for her money as UK zoo announces birth of pygmy hippo Haggis

A UK zoo has announced the birth of pygmy hippo called Haggis that’s set to give viral Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Moo Deng a healthy dose of cuteness competition

04 Nov 2024, 22:43 by Beth Tanner, Max McLean · The Mirror

Thailand’s adorable viral sensation Moo Deng is about to get a run for her money as Edinburgh Zoo announces the birth of their own pygmy hippo.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Moo Deng went viral on social media earlier this year, with animal lovers obsessed by her cuteness, personality and charm. But now the UK has got in on the action with Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo announcing their very own new arrival earlier today.

The zoo posted to X on November 4: “Moo Deng? Who deng? Introducing… Haggis. Otto and Gloria have welcomed an ADORABLE pygmy hippo calf! She is doing well, but we’ll be keeping the hippo house closed for the time being so that our expert keepers can keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.”

Edinburgh Zoo took to X to share the news of their newest addition( Image: RZSS / SWNS)

Haggis, who was brought into the world by parents Otto and Gloria, is said to be doing well( Image: RZSS / SWNS)

Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already. The first 30 days are critical for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for now to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.

“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.”

The female calf was born on October 30. Native to forests and swamps in West Africa, it is estimated that only 2,500 are left in the wild due to habitat loss.

To celebrate Haggis’s arrival Edinburgh Zoo is offering people the chance to meet her, with funds raised to go towards animal care. Edinburgh Zoo’s X account playfully apologised for pitting Haggis and Moo Deng against one another later on Monday, posting: “Sorry guys this is our official notes app apology.

“We were wrong to pit Haggis and Moo Deng against each other. There is space in this world for two beautiful pygmy hippo divas and we should celebrate them all. Sorry to Moo Deng. Let’s work it out on the remix.” Moo Deng, which literally means “bouncy pork” in Thai, is a type of meatball.