The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland are bidding a fond farewell to Haggis the pygmy hippo ahead of her last weekend in the capital.
Haggis the hippo is leaving Edinburgh Zoo this weekend(Image: RZSS)
A beloved hippo that recently became a viral sensation at Edinburgh Zoo is sadly leaving Scotland for pastures new.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland are bidding an emotional farewell to Haggis the pygmy hippo ahead of her last weekend in the capital.
The adorable animal has been given her very own goodbye card with the words “bye the noo Haggis” written across the front as she prepares to leave for Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury.
The wildlife conservation charity has recommended visitors book tickets to say their goodbyes this weekend, with the last guaranteed date to see her being October 26.
Haggis has been given a goodbye card as she prepares to leave for Wingham Wildlife Park, near Canterbury(Image: RZSS)
Edinburgh Zoo said: “Haggis, our much-loved pygmy hippo, will soon be moving to another zoo to play her important part in the international breeding programme for this endangered species.”
Haggis achieved internet fame after being born at the zoon on October 30, 2024, thanks to a global obsession with pygmy hippos sparked by viral hippo Moo Deng at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.
She featured on NBC’s Saturday Night Live and even received a public apology from Greg James after she was called ‘not cute’ on his BBC Radio 1 show.
In December, we told how Haggis was pictured making a splash during a winter swim in an adorable new photo.
Haggis the baby pygmy hippo enjoys a swim at Edinburgh Zoo in December (Image: Edinburgh Zoo)
The animal, who was eight weeks old at the time, was snapped frolicking in the pool during a daily swimming session, under the watchful eye of mum Gloria.
The wintry temperatures haven’t stopped Haggis from getting the hang of swimming, which is vital for the endangered hippo species to keep their skin moist and regulate their temperature.
Native to West Africa, it is estimated there are only 2,500 pygmy hippos remaining in the wild.
Hoofstock team leader Jonny Appleyard at Edinburgh Zoo told the BBC earlier this year: “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.”