Baby hippo makes a splash in public debut

Born on September 14, and weighing in at a hefty six stone, the baby hippo had been in a private den with mum, but made its first appearance in the pool on Monday.

The tot is thought to be a little girl, but its sex is yet to be confirmed. In the meantime, keepers have nicknamed the youngster Hula – an abbreviation of dad’s name, Hoover, and mum’s, Lola. The first-time parents are said to be “besotted”.

Keeper Mark Holden said: “After taking a few tentative steps on the water’s edge, baby Hula was encouraged into the pool by mum, and is now enjoying blowing bubbles under the surface and paddling around by herself.”