Edinburgh Zoo has announced the birth of a pygmy hippo calf to parents Gloria and Otto, born on Friday, July 31, 2026, just hours after the zoo publicly revealed Gloria was pregnant. Keepers had expected the birth in August, so the early arrival caught the hoofstock team off guard.
The calf is the third for Gloria, following daughters Amara (born 2021) and Haggis, whose 2024 birth turned her into a global internet sensation and drew comparisons to Thailand’s viral pygmy hippo Moo Deng. Pygmy hippos are listed as endangered, making each birth significant for coordinated conservation breeding programs.
Stats at a Glance
- What: Pygmy hippo calf born to Gloria and Otto
- Where: Edinburgh Zoo, Scotland (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland)
- When: Friday, July 31, 2026
- Why it matters: Pygmy hippos are an endangered species; the calf is a sibling to internet-famous Haggis
The Story
Edinburgh Zoo revealed Gloria’s pregnancy to the public on July 31, only for the calf to arrive that same day, catching staff by surprise. “It was a real surprise to come in and find a new face tucked up with mum,” said Jonny Appleyard, the zoo’s hoofstock team leader. “We were expecting a week or two of calm after announcing Gloria’s pregnancy but nature had other ideas.”
The calf’s sex has not yet been confirmed and will be determined during upcoming health checks. Both mother and calf are reported to be doing well, and staff are keeping the pair away from public view while they bond.
What It Means for Visitors
Edinburgh Zoo, run by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland since 1913, will introduce the calf to public viewing once keepers determine mother and baby are settled and ready, following the same approach taken with Haggis in 2024. That birth drew a surge of visitors and worldwide media attention, and this new arrival is expected to generate similar interest once it debuts in the zoo’s pygmy hippo habitat.
Explore more: more zoo and aquarium news.
Edinburgh Zoo FAQs
When was the new pygmy hippo calf born at Edinburgh Zoo?
The calf was born on Friday, July 31, 2026, to parents Gloria and Otto, just hours after the zoo announced Gloria’s pregnancy.
Is the calf related to Haggis, the famous pygmy hippo?
Yes. The new calf is Gloria’s third offspring, a younger sibling to Haggis (born 2024), who became an internet sensation, and Amara (born 2021).
Can visitors see the new pygmy hippo calf now?
Not yet. Edinburgh Zoo is keeping the calf and Gloria away from public view while they bond, and will introduce them to visitors once keepers determine they are ready.
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Photo by Magda Ehlers on Pexels.