Hip, hippo, hooray! Pygmy hippo Gloria is pregnant, reveals Edinburgh Zoo

There is another tiny star on the way at Edinburgh Zoo after the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) confirmed resident pygmy hippo Gloria is pregnant. The calf will follow in the footsteps of Gloria's last youngster, Haggis, who became an internet sensation.

The wildlife conservation charity sparked speculation by posting a series of teaser videos on social media without revealing the identity of the expectant animal. It has now confirmed the scan was Gloria's, with veterinary staff predicting the calf will be born sometime in August.

Darren McGarry, head of animal care at RZSS, said: "We are all really made up for Gloria, who is positively glowing at the minute. The calf will have a great start in life because Gloria is a really caring, attentive and experienced mum. I am chuffed for dad Otto too. His job is basically done now, but we have given him a few treats to say, ‘well done’."

This will be Gloria's first calf since 2024 when she gave birth to internet sensation, Haggis. Known for her sassy side-eye and diva personality, Haggis captured the world's imagination featuring in viral videos, making her way onto Saturday Night Live (SNL) and drawing thousands of adoring fans to Edinburgh Zoo.

As the countdown to the big arrival continues, mum-to-be Gloria will be taking it easy in the warm, quiet corners of her habitat enjoying plenty of rest and relaxation. While everything is progressing well, there is still a little way to go, and the zoo's dedicated keepers and vets will be keeping a close and attentive eye on Gloria every step of the way. 

Darren added, "I've worked as an animal keeper since the eighties and spent many of those years working with pygmy hippos. It really warms my heart to see so many people excited about this species. Pygmy hippos are a very special animal, and I can tell you news like this never, ever gets old."
 

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