Baby hippo born in American zoo

A zoo in America has had a new arrival - a baby hippo!

So cuute!

The new-born calf arrived at the San Diego Zoo earlier this week and has yet to be given a name.

The new mum, Funani, is said to be bonding well with her baby.

But Funani is no stranger to parenthood because she's already given birth 11 times before!

The animal keepers are keeping a very close eye on the pair but say they are both doing well.

From CBBC Newsround

Sumatran tiger cub triplets in 'tip-top shape'

Three rare Sumatran tigers's health are in 'tip top shape' after being examined, weighed and vaccinated by specialist vets at Chester Zoo.

The three cubs together after their health check ups

 

The three-month old cubs, born in January to mum Kirana and dad Fabi, were found to be two males and one female.

"It's really important for us to make sure they're healthy and in good physical condition and we're happy to report that all three of the cubs have been given a clean bill of health," said vet Gabby Drake.

 

Vets and vet nurses from Chester Zoo carefully check over one of the Sumatran tiger cubs

 

Sumatran tigers are found only on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are the smallest of all tigers and have the narrowest stripes.

"We checked them over as quickly as we could before returning them to their mum Kirana. She's a very good mother and fiercely protective of her young charges, so we certainly didn't want to hang around for long."

 

 





The cubs get a lick from their mother, Kirana, after their check ups

 

Critically endangered in the wild, there are believed to be just 300-400 Sumatran tigers left as they are often targeted by poachers who use their body parts as traditional medicine.

Much of their jungle habitat has also been destroyed.

 

From CBBC Newsround

 



Christmas trees donated for lions to play with

Lions at a zoo in Cambridgeshire have found a new use for old Christmas trees.

They've been given the real trees to play with and have been enjoying rolling around with them.

Linton Zoological Gardens are also using some of the trees in their bio-burner to provide heating for the buildings.

Zuri, an African lion, has become quite attached to his tree

Manager Dawny Greenwood said: "They just love the trees, it gives them hours of fun."

People have been dropping off their trees and some companies have donated unsold ones.

FromCBBC newsround

It's really a good use for those "old" Christmas trees, but it's a pity that they were cut off the forests where they belong and have a much worthy role. Nevertheless I love animals and I always feel happy when they have a nice treatment in Zoos as well as in reserves or in the wild. We all must protect animals if we want nature to survive to development.

Mª Dulce Branquinho