There's a New Internet-Famous Pygmy Hippo and It's Much Cheaper to Visit Her
Watch out, Moo Deng. There's a new slimy little zoo star, and she's in Scotland.
Moo Deng, the world's most famous pygmy hippo, might soon be dethroned by a younger woman. That's right, even the animal kingdom can't help but pit diva against diva, always seeking out the youngest version of a star. On November 4, the Edinburgh Zoo announced the arrival of Haggis, a pygmy hippo calf born to Otto and Gloria.
And listen, I am not the one establishing this diva-off. When announcing the birth of Haggis, the Edinburgh Zoo literally released a press statement titled "Moo Deng who?" (The zoo has since apologized for this.) This Elisabeth Sparkle–Sue dynamic being forced by the patriarchy isn't the only thing baby Haggis has going for her—Haggis will be much easier for American tourists to see in real life.
A direct flight from New York City to Edinburgh in January, when Haggis will likely be really coming into her own, costs less than $700. Meanwhile, there aren't any direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand, and the cheapest ticket for the same time period is $1,390. Plus, once you arrive in Bangkok, you'll still have to drive nearly two hours to reach Khao Kheow Open Zoo, where Moo Deng lives.
So, even though I detest seeing two great queens (endangered animals) pit against each other, if you have to choose between the two, Haggis wins simply on logistics. It is cheaper, faster, and easier to visit the Edinburgh Zoo in Scotland than the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand.
However, even though we know Haggis is also a cute pygmy hippo calf, there's no guarantee she will hold a candle to Moo Deng's star power. I mean, have you seen Miss Moo bite off Donald Trump's name on a cake? Or stand on top of her bowl? Or attack her zoo handler with her tiny wet snout? That's the kind of talent that can't be taught.
Please though, no matter which young diva you choose to visit, respect them both. As much as we're projecting onto these animals, they are still vulnerable animals needing our care and respect.
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