Edinburgh Zoo announces birth of a pygmy hippo calf

Edinburgh Zoo is celebrating the arrival of a new pygmy hippo calf on Sunday, October 27, born to resident pygmy hippos, Ellen and Otto.

The new arrival has been named Adana by her keepers, which is a West African name meaning "her father’s daughter". Adana is still quite shy and keeping warm indoors with her mother, but she has started to venture into the heated pool.

Lorna Hughes, team leader for primates and hoofstock at Edinburgh Zoo, said: “Ellen is a very special pygmy hippo as not only is the species classed as Endangered in the wild and numbers are still declining, we are particularly fond of her as she was born right here at Edinburgh Zoo eight years ago.

“A very maternal animal, Ellen has proven herself to be a fantastic parent to her offspring. Baby Adana is just over a week old now and is feeding well from mum. Growing in confidence every day, Adana has ventured into the water under the watchful eye of mum.

“Even though pygmy hippos are incredible swimmers, it’s a little known fact the hippo calves need to be taught how to swim by their mothers.

“Our pygmy hippos at Edinburgh Zoo are extremely popular with visitors. Baby Adana can currently be seen in the indoor hippo house with mum Ellen, whilst dad Otto and big sister Eve are in their outdoor enclosure during the day.”

Pygmy hippos are native to west Africa, but are endangered due to hunting and habitat loss.

Edinburgh Zoo has successfully been part of the European Breeding Programme for this species for many years, with 18 offspring reared since the 1970s.

Adana can be viewed in the pygmy hippo enclosure located at the centre of the park, just northeast of the Mansion House.

Image courtesy of Edinburgh Zoo