Watch An Adorable Baby Hippo Takes His First Swim With Mama

Hippos are the second largest land animal, following the elephant. These fascinating mammals can weigh as much as 3,200kg. They spend a lot of time in the water to cool off on hot days.

National Geographic states, “Their eyes, nose and ears are located on the top of their head, which means they can see and breathe whilst submerged in the water. What’s more, these super-cool creatures sweat an oily red liquid which helps protect their skin from drying out – and acts as a sunblock, too!”

Hippos are amazing swimmers. “Despite their enormous size, hippos are great swimmers and can hold their breath for up to five minutes underwater. When completely submerged, their ears and nostrils fold shut to keep water out.”

It’s not often that we get to witness baby hippos doing baby hippo things. But this is one video I could watch a million times over! Obi, a baby Pygmy hippo, went out with his mom, Petre, for a swim in the big pool for the first time at Melbourne Zoo in Australia. Obi means heart in the Nigerian lobo language, and he’s definitely melting ours!!

Watch as him and his mama take a short walk into the water to enjoy themselves. Although this is Obi’s first time in the big pool, he is fearless! He goes right in without hesitation and is such a great little swimmer! Of course his mother stays right next to him to keep an eye on him. The cutest part is when he swims up under his mom and peeks his little head out. He’s so cute and lovable!!

Watch Obi explore the water in the video below.