Hippo mamas are known for being very protective and at the San Diego Zoo, Funani, the mother of 8-week-old Devi is always close by to ensure her little baby calf is safe.
Recently, the hippo calf has been swimming in the 150,000 gallon pool at the San Diego Zoo and whenever the female calf ventures into the farthest reaches and deepest parts of the water, her mother noses her baby back to shallower water.
According to the San Diego Zoo, for the first week weeks of Devi’s life, it was hard for outsiders, including the keepers, to see the calf because Funani often had her tucked into vegetation near the shore, and kept her body between the calf and the public.
Devi was born on Monday, March 23 at 6:30 a.m. with animal care staff observing. Funani and Devi share the exhibit with Devi’s father, Otis.
h/t: San Diego Zoo
Photo credit: Tammy Spratt, San Diego Zoo
