Pygmy hippopotamus Georgina took her first dip in an outdoor pool this week at Whipsnade Zoo.
She has spent the last few months indoors with mum,Flora, building up her confidence in preparation for taking the plunge in the zoo’s public pool.
The 10-month-old calf will also star in Wednesday’s (July 17) episode of The Zoo on ITV1.
The episode will focus on 26-year-old Flora’s battle with mouth cancer – it is touch-and-go whether or not she will be around to see Georgina grow up.
Head keeper Mark Holdern said: “Georgina used to stick close to Flora but over the last few weeks she’s really grown in confidence and has become much more independent.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what she makes of her outdoor paddock and new surroundings when she sees them for the first time.””
With fewer than 3,000 pygmy hippos remaining, Georgina is an important addition to the zoo’s European Endangered species Programme, and for the conservation of pygmy hippo’s worldwide.