The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUN) considers the species endangered, due to a number of factors, external, including loss of habitat and the fact that it is hunted for food in Liberia.
Mr Appleyard added: “While Thailand’s Moo Deng has become a viral global icon, it is important to remember that pygmy hippos are incredibly rare.
“It is great to have our own little ambassador right here in Edinburgh to connect with our visitors and help raise awareness of the challenges the species face in the wild.”
Parents Otto and Gloria previously welcomed a calf, Amara, in 2021, who then moved to ZSL London Zoo in 2023 as part of a European breeding programme.
Last month, Khao Kheow Open Zoo had to warn visitors not to try to wake up Moo Deng, after the hippo soared in popularity and sparked a surge in visitors to the zoo.
