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Edinburgh Zoo welcomes newborn pygmy hippo
Edinburgh Zoo hope Haggis' fame will follow that of Thailand's Moo Deng (pictured)
The endangered calf was born on 30 October.

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the birth of an endangered pygmy hippo calf.

On Wednesday, 30 October, the female calf was born to parents Otto and Gloria. She has been named Haggis.

Haggis is already proving to be healthy and happy, and the zoo’s pygmy hippo house has been closed while the team monitors her early stages.

The pygmy hippo is predominantly native to Liberia in West Africa, where it lives in forests and swamps. However, habitat loss means that there are now only around 2,500 remaining in the wild.

The species has been classified as ‘endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Haggis is doing really well so far and it is amazing to see her personality beginning to shine already.

“The first 30 days are critical for her development, so the pygmy hippo house will be closed for now to allow us to keep a close eye on mum and baby at this sensitive time.”

The zoo believes that the recent online success of Moo Deng, a pygmy hippo born in Thailand this year, will inspire interest in Haggis’ birth. Moo Deng quickly became popular across the internet, sparking a newfound recognition for the endangered species.

The team hopes that Haggis will share a similar fame, raising awareness of the rare animal.

Edinburgh Zoo has now launched a prize draw campaign, with one winner getting the chance to take part in a pygmy hippo experience. Alongside RZSS CEO David Field, they will get the opportunity to meet Haggis and her parents in a special encounter.

All donations will contribute to RZSS’ work with protecting endangered animals like Haggis, as RZSS seeks to raise £15,000 for its conservation work.

Mr Appleyard added: “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.”

To enter the pygmy hippo experience draw, visit this website.

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.