Pygmy hippo born at Edinburgh Zoo

A baby hippopotamus has been born at Edinburgh Zoo after arriving earlier than expected.

Born to parents Otto and Gloria, the endangered pygmy hippo calf arrived on 31 July.

Pygmy hippos are native to West Africa and under threat from habitat destruction due to logging and mining.

Edinburgh Zoo said the the calf is currently bonding with its mother away from public view and its gender will be confirmed after health checks.

Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: "It has been a really exciting few days for the team and we are all delighted to see Gloria and her calf doing so well."

Keepers and vets at the zoo had estimated the calf would arrive at some point in the middle of August.

"It was a real surprise to come in and find a new face tucked up with mum," Appleyard added.

"Our main aim right now is to give them some private time until they show signs they are ready to meet the world."

Pygmy hippos gained popularity in September 2024 after one in Thailand called Moo Deng went viral and was featured in a series of memes due to her fame and cuteness.

The London Zoological Society estimates there are only between 2,000 and 2,500 left in the wild, and is carrying out conservation work in Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Mother Gloria has previously given birth to two calves at Edinburgh Zoo - Amara in 2021 and Haggis in 2024.

Amara was moved to ZSL London Zoo as part of a European breeding programme in 2023.

Sister Haggis arrived at Wingham Wildlife Park in Kent last October.

She has been described by the wildlife park as a "sassy wee character", having featured on featured on NBC's Saturday Night Live and received a public apology from Greg James after she was called "not cute" on his BBC Radio 1 show.