Zoo's latest addition is a little 'gift'

LEISHAN the pygmy hippo has become the latest attraction at Edinburgh Zoo.

Born on 9 May, the animal – whose name means gift in West Africa – is the first pygmy hippo born at the zoo for four years, and the first offspring of Ellen and Otto.

Pygmy hippos are only found in West Africa, where they are now critically endangered. Their primary threat is the loss of their forest habitat due to the timber industry. They are also hunted for their meat.

Darren McGarry, animal collection manager at Edinburgh Zoo, who also sits on the European Endangered Programme Committee for the species, said: "A pygmy hippo baby is an exciting addition for us. This baby will be very popular with visitors to Edinburgh Zoo this summer."