Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s Hippo calf is thriving under the watchful eye of mother, Cuddles. The female calf has almost doubled in weight since birth and is starting to gain more confidence and strength in its legs, especially on land.

Cuddles is continuing to be a very protective and nurturing mother, with the pair bonding well. When resting in the water, the calf will often place its head on Cuddles’ shoulder or back. Cuddles is also never too far behind her calf on land ensuring she doesn’t get into any mischief.

Both mother and calf are coming out of the water more often now at the daily feeding time, with the calf often plonking herself in the middle of her mother’s hay pile - as it makes a nice bed - and then mum will just eat around her.

Hippos generally spend up to 18 hours in the water each day especially when the temperature rises, only venturing out for food or in the cooler part of the day.

The female Hippo calf is yet to be named and Taronga Western Plains Zoo is looking for name suggestions via its Facebook page. The names should reflect the Hippo’s African origin and have a meaning. Suggestions can be posted to the Zoo’s facebook page.