The arrival of Haggis, a pygmy hippo calf, at Edinburgh Zoo has delighted animal lovers and zoo visitors alike, marking a significant event in the conservation efforts for this endangered species.
Though her name may be as Scottish as it gets, little Haggis is far from her natural home. The pygmy, a species native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, specifically Liberia, is currently facing an alarming decline in population. As of the latest estimates by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are only around 2,500 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild, making their survival a critical concern for conservationists worldwide.
Pygmy hippos, often referred to as dwarf Pygmy Born at Scottish Zoo., are a smaller cousin of the more commonly known river Pygmy. These adorable creatures, known for their round bodies and short legs, have become increasingly rare due to factors like habitat destruction, poaching, and hunting for meat, particularly in Liberia. Their dwindling numbers have raised concerns among conservationists, prompting global efforts to protect them and raise awareness about their plight.
In a bid to support the species and educate the public on the importance of wildlife conservation, Edinburgh Zoo has been fortunate enough to welcome a female pygmy calf, born on October 30. The calf, named Haggis, has already captured the hearts of many who are following her journey closely. The zoo’s keepers, who have been carefully monitoring her development during the crucial first 30 days, have been delighted by how well she is doing.
Jonny Appleyard, the hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, expressed his excitement over Haggis’s early progress, stating, “Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already.” This early development is an encouraging sign, and it marks a step forward for the endangered pygmy species.
The Guardian
To give Haggis and her mother, Gloria, the best care possible, the pygmy house at Edinburgh Zoo has been temporarily closed to the public for a month. The decision to close the area is based on the fact that the first 30 days after birth are considered critical for the development of young pygmy hippos.
During this sensitive period, zoo keepers need to ensure that both mother and calf are kept under close observation, allowing them to monitor Haggis’s health and well-being. The closure of the pygmy hippo house ensures that both Gloria and Haggis have a peaceful and safe environment, free from the stress of public crowds, as they bond and adjust to their new life together.
Haggis’s arrival has been met with widespread enthusiasm, not only among zoo visitors but also in the broader conservation community. The pygmy hippo is considered “incredibly rare,” and every successful birth represents a small victory in the fight to ensure the species’ continued survival. The excitement surrounding Haggis is especially significant, given the challenges faced by pygmy hippos in the wild. The species is endangered, with the primary threats to their survival being habitat destruction and illegal hunting. While much of the media attention surrounding rare animals tends to focus on larger, more charismatic species like elephants or tigers, the pygmy hippo’s plight has not gone unnoticed.
The news of Haggis’s birth follows closely on the heels of the global sensation created by another pygmy hippo named Moo Deng, who resides at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand. Moo Deng, whose name translates to “bouncy pig” in Thai, has become a viral phenomenon in recent months. Her adorable appearance and podgy proportions have captivated millions around the world, making her an internet sensation.
The zoo in Thailand has been inundated with visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of Moo Deng, who has sparked a surge of interest in pygmy hippos. While Moo Deng’s fame has brought much-needed attention to the species, it has also served as a reminder of the rarity of pygmy hippos and the importance of conserving them.
Jonny Appleyard, who oversees the pygmy hippo care at Edinburgh Zoo, acknowledged the significance of Moo Deng’s viral fame in bringing awareness to pygmy hippos. However, he emphasized that while these animals may be gaining in popularity, they remain incredibly rare and face many challenges in the wild. “While Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare,” Appleyard said. “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 birth of Haggis is particularly meaningful because it is not just an opportunity to celebrate the arrival of a new baby hippo but also a reminder of the importance of breeding programs that aim to safeguard the future of endangered species. The pygmy hippo breeding program at Edinburgh Zoo is part of a larger European conservation initiative, which aims to maintain healthy populations of pygmy hippos in captivity and, eventually, reintroduce them into the wild. Haggis’s parents, Otto and Gloria, are already experienced in the breeding program.
In 2021, they welcomed a calf named Amara, who was later moved to London Zoo as part of the ongoing efforts to ensure genetic diversity within the captive population. This practice of transferring young animals between different zoos is a key part of the European breeding program, which aims to create a sustainable population of pygmy hippos and preserve the genetic pool of this endangered species.
The importance of these breeding programs cannot be overstated, especially given the declining numbers of pygmy hippos in their natural habitats. While the exact population of pygmy hippos in the wild is difficult to determine, the IUCN’s estimate of 2,500 remaining individuals paints a dire picture of the species’ future. Pygmy hippos are primarily found in the forests and swamps of West Africa, with Liberia being one of their primary habitats.
However, deforestation, human encroachment on their land, and illegal hunting for meat have all contributed to the species’ rapid decline. Despite the challenges faced by pygmy hippos in the wild, efforts to protect their habitats and implement stronger conservation measures have made some headway in recent years.
One of the main factors driving the pygmy hippo’s endangered status is habitat destruction. The forests and swamps of West Africa, once vast and pristine, are now being cleared at an alarming rate for agricultural development, logging, and urbanization. As these habitats are destroyed, pygmy hippos are left with fewer places to live, and their access to food and water sources becomes more limited. Furthermore, the destruction of their natural habitats leads to fragmentation, which can isolate hippo populations and prevent them from breeding successfully.
In addition to habitat loss, the pygmy hippo faces the threat of hunting. In Liberia, where pygmy hippos are found in the wild, the animals are sometimes hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy. This practice further exacerbates the decline in their numbers, as it reduces the already small population of wild pygmy hippos. Despite legal protections in place to prevent the hunting of pygmy hippos, enforcement of these laws is often weak, and poaching remains a significant issue.
Given these challenges, the work being done by zoos like Edinburgh Zoo to breed and care for pygmy hippos is critical. By providing a safe environment for the animals, these breeding programs help to safeguard the future of the species. However, it is important to note that zoos alone cannot solve the issue of conservation. Protecting pygmy hippos requires a multifaceted approach that includes efforts to preserve their natural habitats, reduce poaching, and raise public awareness about the importance of protecting these incredible animals.
While Haggis’s birth is an exciting and positive development, it is clear that there is still much work to be done to ensure the survival of pygmy hippos. Raising awareness of the species’ endangered status, as well as the threats they face, is essential to building public support for conservation initiatives. Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo, as well as those who follow Haggis’s journey online, can play a key role in supporting the conservation of pygmy hippos by spreading awareness and advocating for the protection of these fascinating creatures.
The birth of Haggis, the pygmy hippo calf at Edinburgh Zoo, is a significant moment for both the zoo and the broader conservation community. It highlights the importance of breeding programs and the role zoos play in preserving endangered species. The continued survival of pygmy hippos in the wild depends on global efforts to protect their habitats, reduce poaching, and raise awareness of the challenges the species faces. With the support of the public and conservation organizations, there is hope that pygmy hippos like Haggis will have a brighter future, and that the species will continue to thrive for generations to come.
