HAGGIS the pygmy hippo is set to leave Edinburgh Zoo.
As part of the breeding programme for the endangered species, Haggis will be moved to a different zoo following her first birthday on October 30. In the wild, pygmy hippos leave their parents once they are around a year old.
Haggis has already started distancing herself from mum Gloria, and the pygmy calf is set to leave Edinburgh on October 26.
Jonny Appleyard, hoofstock team leader at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Although we will be sad to see Haggis go, she is off to play her part in the breeding programme for this rare species. Pygmy hippos don’t reach sexual maturity until three to five years old so it will be a while before she might have her own little one.
“Despite only being a year old, Haggis has been a wonderful little ambassador, connecting with our visitors and helping raise awareness of the challenges pygmy hippos face in the wild.”
Edinburgh Zoo announced the move on Tuesday morning via Twitter/X, saying: “Bye bye the noo, Haggis is leaving the zoo.
“While we will miss her and her attitude we know she is going to have a great life in her new home!”
Bye the noo, Haggis is leaving the zoo 🦛 Our sassy pygmy hippo, Haggis, will be moving on to a new home soon, but don't worry, you still have until Sunday 26 October to come and say goodbye 👋 Pygmy hippos leave their parents when they're around one year old, and as Haggis… pic.twitter.com/U0z9ePY6oe
— Edinburgh Zoo (@EdinburghZoo) September 9, 2025
The species is native to forests and swamps in West Africa, primarily Liberia, and it’s estimated that only 2500 remain in the wild as a result of habitat loss.
Haggis was born in the Scottish capital attraction last October to Gloria and dad Otto and quickly became a viral sensation – even featuring on the popular American comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL).
The series pitted Haggis against another viral pygmy calf, Moo Deng, who resides in Khao Khew Open Zoo in Thailand.
Edinburgh Zoo provided regular updates on Haggis, telling The National back in January that the calf had become a “wee madam” as her personality developed.
Fans of the viral sensation will be able to visit her right up until the move later next month
