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San Diego Zoo Welcomes Baby Hippo

A baby hippo is seen bonding with its mother at the San Diego Zoo, March 24, 2015.
San Diego Zoo
A baby hippo is seen bonding with its mother at the San Diego Zoo, March 24, 2015.

The San Diego Zoo Tuesday announced the birth of a hippopotamus and, so far, things appear to be going swimmingly.

The birth of the hippo, the sex of which has not been determined, took place around 6:30 a.m. Monday, said Jenny Mehlow of the zoo.

Mehlow said animal keepers are keeping a close eye on the mother and calf, who appears to be nursing and doing well.

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The mother, 30-year-old Funani, also gave birth last year, but that calf died several days later. Funani, a native of the Toledo Zoo in Ohio, has given birth a total of 11 times, seven in San Diego, Mehlow said.

The father was recently taken off exhibit and will remain in a separate area for the time being, leaving Funani and the calf in the main tank, according to Mehlow.

Baby Hippo Swims Into the World at the San Diego Zoo