Kani meaning strength and energy in Kiswahili (Tanzania/Kenya) was voted the most popular name from the zoo's social media followers.

Kani is becoming fairly inquisitive of his surrounds and has really grown in size over the past month.

His baby teeth are starting to cut through now and is showing interest in mum's food but still relies on milk from mum, Cuddles.

Cuddles is continuing to be wonderful and nurturing mother. She is quite relaxed and is being observed regularly nursing him in the pond and ensuring he doesn't venture too far from her side.

Kani and Cuddles have been both coming into the night yards which is part of the usual routine for the Hippos in the afternoons and allows keepers to get a close look to check their overall health.

"It has been great to see Kani following mum's lead and learning the ropes of moving through the different areas of the Hippo pond system and night yards," Hippo Keeper Carolene Magner said.

"It's an important part of the husbandry for hippos as it gives the keepers a good opportunity to check them over while they are out of the water."

Kani has also been interacting at the fence with dad Mana.

Kani is currently separated from Mana as would be the case in the wild.

They interact by gently opening their mouths to investigate each other but Cuddles is always close by and vocalising to ensure each interaction goes well.

Now the evenings are starting to become a little cooler all the Hippos are often seen out of the ponds sunbaking in the afternoon before night fall.

Cuddles and Kani are often spotted napping on the grass or the sand bank too.

"It is really special to see Kani grow and develop and to watch Cuddles be such a wonderful mother once again. They are both doing well, Kani is meeting his milestones and Cuddles is being a superb mum," Carolene said.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo will reopen on June 1, ending its more than two-month closure amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Re-opening to the public will mean the local community can have the opportunity to see Kani the Hippo calf in the near future.

The zoo will reopen in a controlled and responsible way.

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