Meet Haggis, the adorable newest addition to the Edinburgh’s Zoo’s family of endangered pygmy hippos

Sometimes, for no reason at all, you need some cuteness to sock you right in the organs. Well, call us Dopamine Watch because if a picture of this little sausage doesn’t spark joy, you might need a good long think, my friend. Cuteness HQ is back in action and just in time to welcome baby Haggis, the pygmy hippo, to the world!

Haggis entered the world on Wednesday, October 30 (about three months after Moo Deng’s birth). While the first month is critical for development, we’ve still been treated to videos and pictures of utter Haggis’ preciousness. Her home zoo, RZSS Edinburgh, even announced her birth by throwing just a bit of teasing shade on the celebrity pygmy hippo that first brought the species into the limelight.

Yes, it’s been a popular time for pygmy hippos, thanks to Moo Deng, the adorable OG pygmy hippo on the 2024 media stage (keep an eye out for her here next week). This precious little meatball (her name means bouncy pork) went viral from videos of her frolicking at her zoo home in Chonburi, Thailand. Her sassy attitude and pudgy playfulness captivated the hearts of the internet, earning her global fame and a 24×7 live stream for fans to enjoy her antics while hopefully not disturbing her lifestyle as a growing baby.

Pygmy hippos are incredibly rare, with an estimated global population of roughly 2000-2500 adults in the wild. The species is native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia and Cote D’Ivoire. Sadly, habitat destruction and hunting have earned them an Endangered classification on the IUCN‘s Threatened Species (or Red) list.

You won’t be able to visit the little oatmeal roll during her first month; the zoo’s pygmy house is closed to help with that aforementioned development period. However, we can expect to see Haggis’ personality shine through social media as she grows. Keep your eyes on Edinburgh Zoo’s social platforms: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTQaegB-3U0