Get a peep of Piper the pygmy hippo
Posted 18 Aug 2026
Visitors to Edinburgh Zoo can now catch a glimpse of two-week-old Piper the pygmy hippo as she explores her indoor habitat alongside mum Gloria.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) made the decision following several successful two-hour trial openings. Keepers at the wildlife conservation charity are delighted with Piper's growing confidence and are excited for the public to meet her.
Fans visiting Piper are asked to keep noise to a minimum to help the calf and mum remain happy and healthy.
The Hippo House will be open to all visitors, however as opening hours are subject to change visitors are advised to check on arrival.
Notes to Editors
Hi-res images available at https://we.tl/t-RwRSRJzYXkHMMsZH
Images free to use. Please credit RZSS.
Notes to editors:
- Gloria has previously raised Amara, born in 2021, and internet-famous Haggis in 2024
- Piper was named on Wednesday 05 August: Pint-sized Piper - Baby pygmy hippo named after health check at Edinburgh Zoo
- Piper’s birth was confirmed on Monday 03 August: That was quick! Baby hippo born at Edinburgh Zoo
- Pygmy hippopotamuses are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia. The species is classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and it is estimated that just 2,500 remain in the wild due to habitat loss
About the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
- The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world which protects, values and loves nature
- Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature, learn about the challenges facing wildlife and discover how we harness our expertise in conservation science and animal care alongside the unique power of the RZSS family – our teams, supporters and partners – to save animals from extinction
- Highland Wildlife Park was crowned Best Visitor Attraction at Visit Scotland’s 2025 Scottish Thistle Awards
