TOO CUTE! Mama Hippo Teaches Days-Old Baby to Swim at SD Zoo

Photo courtesy of San Diego Zoo

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The San Diego Zoo has 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.

Since then, both mom and baby have been busy-- it’s already swim-lesson time, as you can see in the adorable video below.

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

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.

--City News Service contributed to this report.