Three-week-old baby pygmy hippo Piper and her mom Gloria in the water. (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via SWNS)
By Elizabeth Hunter
A baby pygmy hippo has been pictured taking its first ever swim.
Three-week-old Piper followed her mom Gloria into the pool, before gaining the confidence to begin exploring the water on her own.
After a lap of the pool and a tentative nibble on some driftwood, Piper patiently waited by mom as she snoozed in the water.
When it was time to head for dry land she made her way with a helping hand from animal team leader Jonny Appleyard.
Piper was born on Aug. 3 at Edinburgh Zoo, and has quickly become a visitor favorite.
Pygmy hippopotamuses are native to the forests and swamps of West Africa, primarily Liberia.
A baby pygmy hippo named Piper taking its first ever swim. (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland via SWNS)
By TalkerThey are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and it is estimated that just 2,500 remain in the wild due to habitat loss.
The species has enjoyed widespread virality in recent years, after videos of pygmy hippos Moo Deng in Thailand and Haggis in Edinburgh were shared on TikTok.
Originally published on talker.news, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Sign up to receive notifications when a new Columbia Gorge News e-Edition is published.
Would you like to receive our news updates? Signup today!
Receive weekly updates on obituaries and death notices.
Oregon Capital Press presented by Columbia Gorge News
Receive updates on upcoming promotions and special sections.
Receive weekly updates on local sports news.
Sorry, an error occurred.
Already Subscribed!
Cancel anytime
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.
No promotional rates found.
Secure & Encrypted
Thank you.
Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
| Rate: | |
| Begins: | |
| Transaction ID: |
A receipt was sent to your email.
Commented