Edinburgh Zoo in ‘ode to Haggis the hippo’ ahead of Burns Night

The tiny calf was born at the end of October after being born to parents Otto and Gloria.

It is estimated that only around 2500 pygmy hippos remain in the wild due to habitat loss.

Using its very own Robert Burns impersonator, the wildlife conservation charity delivered its own take on the Scottish tradition.

Here’s a look at the lyrics:

O Edinburgh, sae proud an’ braw, 

Thy hills an’ streets, they mak’ me draw, 

Wi’ fondness in my heart sae true, 

For thee, an’ all thy wonders too.  

  But noo, there’s joy that fills the air, 

 A wee bairn born, a creature rare, 

 A wee hippo, small an’ sweet, 

 Wi’ stubby legs an’ muddy feet. 

   Haggis is the name, ye ken, 

 A jolly soul, a tiny gem, 

 Born beneath the Scottish sky, 

 Wi’ eyes that gleam an’ make ye sigh. 

   In the waters, she does glide, 

 A tiny splash wi’ every stride, 

 An’ in the mud, she’s seen to roll, 

 Wi’ joy that fills her little soul. 

   O Haggis, wee an’ full o’ cheer, 

 A treasure for the zoo, so dear, 

 Thy gentle ways, thy playful glee, 

 Bring smiles to all who come to see. 

   Thy kin may roam in lands afar, 

 But here ye are, a star by far, 

 A symbol of the zoo’s delight, 

 That lights the day an’ warms the night. 

   An’ when ye grow, though still so small, 

 We’ll remember, dear, the first of all, 

 A baby hippo, full o’ grace, 

 A bairn that’s left a lasting trace. 

  So, here’s to Haggis, joy an’ pride, 

 A wonder in the waters wide, 

 May ye grow strong, an’ ne’er forget, 

 The love we have, an’ our hearts set. 

   For in thy smile, so full an’ bright, 

 We see the world’s purest light, 

 An’ Edinburgh, O zoo sae grand, 

 Haggis shall walk with joy at hand

Otto and Gloria previously welcomed a calf, Amara, in 2021 although she was moved to London Zoo as part of a European breeding programme for endangered species.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.thenational.scot/news/24852952.edinburgh-zoo-ode-haggis-hippo-ahead-burns-night/?ref=rss