Edinburgh Zoo release hilarious statement taking aim at BBC presenter Greg James after on-air “slander” of their newest arrival – a baby pygmy hippo called Haggis 

EDINBURGH Zoo has released a hilarious statement taking aim at BBC Radio 1 presenter Greg James following “slander” heard on-air against their new baby pygmy hippo, Haggis. 

The zoo announced the birth of Haggis on Monday, taking a tongue-in-cheek swipe at Moo Deng – another pygmy hippo living in Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Thailand, who has gone viral in recent months. 

However, it seems some Scots weren’t quite as taken with Haggis as her keepers, with one woman simply known as Susanna, appearing on Greg James’ breakfast show on Tuesday morning to say the newborn hippo “hasn’t got it like Moo Deng”. 

The zoo has since cheekily responded, releasing a statement denouncing both the presenter and his guest for their “slander” and demanding an apology. 

The 38-year-old BBC regular announced the birth of the newborn hippo but mistakenly referred to her as a boy, before inviting Susanna on to get her thoughts on Haggis.  

Susanna then brazenly said: “I’m not getting a lot from Haggis, I don’t think he’s got it, he’s not got it like Moo Deng.” 

James went on to ask what Susanna needs from Haggis with her responding: “Just star quality, it’s that thing you know.”  

James called the comment devastating, with Susanna responding: “I’m sad for him, they’re trying hard.”  

The pair went on to discuss the potential in Haggis’ future, but Susanna remained adamant that “no one else can be Moo Deng, there’s no point even trying”. 

When asked if there was any potential for Haggis to become a Moo Deng-like figure Susanna bluntly responded: “No.” 

Haggis’ “legal team” at the zoo have subsequently taken to social media to reach out to the presenter to demand an apology for the brutal comments.   

The email reads: “It has come to our attention that there was some gross Haggis the pygmy hippo slander on the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show this morning. 

“Greg, we are hurt. As big fans we expected better from you. Also, Haggis is a girl. She is literally five days old please give her a chance.  

“We expect an apology tomorrow morning live on air. There may be a reward for this.  

“No best wishes, Haggis the hippo’s legal team at Edinburgh Zoo (RZSS).”  

The email was shared to social media yesterday with the caption: “Important message for Greg James and BBC R1.”  

It has since received over 1,700 likes and dozens of comments from social media users in defence of Haggis.  

One user wrote: “Haggis is adorable. Shame on you BBC R1.”  

Another added: “Apologise to Haggis imminently.”  

A third replied: “Bro, Greg James c’mon man how can you say that about a five-day-old baby.”  

Another commented: “Couldn’t believe my ears this morning when I heard this. Poor little haggis.” 

A fifth said: “Picking on babies. Bad Greg.”