Pygmy hippo

Choeropsis liberiensis

Pygmy hippo Otto walking in Autumn leaves 

IMAGE: Jasmine Geddes 2021

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

Edinburgh Zoo currently has three pygmy hippos, an adult male called Otto, an adult female called Gloria and their newest baby, Haggis.

Population

decreasing_population_icon

Decreasing

Diet

herbivore_diet_icon

Herbivore

Habitat

forest_habitat_icon

Forest

Fact file

  • Pygmy hippos can run up to 30mph!

  • The gestation period for these hippos is six months

  • These oily-skinned hippopotami live up to 40 years of age

  • They can eat up to 68kg of vegetation daily

  • Fully-grown pygmy hippos weigh between 160kg–270kg

Pygmy hippo Otto asleep in the mud IMAGE: Laura Moore 2021

How we're helping

Like all the animals in our care Otto and Gloria are amazing ambassadors for their relatives in the wild and help hundreds of thousands of people connect with nature every year. They encourage visitors to learn about the threats facing wildlife and the action they can take to help create a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the zoo and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health, to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation