An adorable baby pygmy hippo born just hours after keepers announced its mum was pregnant has now been given a bath, a clean bill of health and a name.
The surprise calf arrived on the same day keepers revealed her mum was expecting.
The baby arrived ahead of schedule, leaving staff at Edinburgh Zoo delighted.
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The calf has now been confirmed as a girl and named Piper, with the youngster spending her first days being cared for by mum Gloria as the pair feed, rest, and bond, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Jade Robertson, senior hoofstock keeper at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “We all felt she was a wee girl from the moment we met her so it is good to have that hunch confirmed.
“We went with Piper because she’s like a little bagpipe always making cute little huffs and puffs.”
Piper has since undergone her first health check, where vets assessed her bodyweight and carried out a full examination.
The tiny calf was given a warm bath, while vets also inspected her gums and tiny teeth on Friday, July 31.
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She currently weighs just under 5.5kg, or 12lb but keepers expect her to grow quickly thanks to Gloria’s rich and nutritious milk.
Dr Stephanie Mota, head vet at RZSS, said: “Gloria did a great job raising Amara and Haggis, and she’s very comfortable with the keepers and vets knowing we are there to help.
“It was lovely to meet Piper up close and confirm she is doing really well.”
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As she grows stronger, keepers expect Piper’s personality to become increasingly apparent as she becomes more adventurous and confident exploring her home.
The newborn is a sibling to Haggis, who hit headlines after being born at the zoo two years ago.
Haggis became an internet sensation after winning fans around the world with her “sassy side-eye” and diva personality, appearing in viral videos and even featuring on Saturday Night Live.
Jonny Appleyard, added: “We were expecting a week or two of calm after announcing Gloria’s pregnancy but nature had other ideas.
“It was a real surprise to come in and find a new face tucked up with mum.
“We hope to be able to confirm the wee one’s gender following upcoming health checks.”
Darren McGarry, head of animal care at RZSS, had 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’.
“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.”
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