By Elizabeth Hunter
Haggis the viral baby pygmy hippo has been pictured going for a winter swim in a new photo.
The now eight weeks old animal has been snapped enjoying a daily session in the pool – under the watchful eye of mum Gloria.
Haggis was born on October 30 at Edinburgh Zoo, and quickly went viral thanks to an internet obsession with pygmy hippos – sparked by pygmy hippo Moo Deng at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo.
Pygmy hippos must spend time in the water in order to keep their skin moist and regulate their temperature – and despite the wintry temperatures, Haggis appears to be getting the hang of swimming.
Native to West Africa, pygmy hippos are an endangered species, with only 2,500 estimated to remain in the wild.
Hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard at Edinburgh Zoo told the BBC earlier this year that: “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.”
