Whipsnade Zoo welcomes newborn pygmy hippo

A rare pygmy hippo, called Georgina, was born at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo eight weeks ago, and is doing well, say zookeepers.

Though the calf is very tiny, she is enjoying blowing bubbles underwater and paddling around her heated indoor pool, alongside her mother, Flora.

The new arrival is an important addition to the European Endangered Species Programme and part of the ZSL's Edge of Existence programme.

Pygmy hippos are threatened worldwide and there are thought to be less than 3,000 of the species left in the wild. Georgina's brother, 18-month-old Sapo, was the first male pygmy hippo to be born in Europe.

"Like the name hippopotamus - which means water horse - suggests, Georgina enjoys taking a dip, paddling around, and blowing bubbles under the water," said Mark Holden, Africa section team leader at the zoo.

"Flora's a star mum and is really helping the new calf to thrive."