Aquila Private Game Reserve and Spa welcomed a baby hippo to their home on Saturday, March 10.
The Anti-Poaching Unit and conservationists discovered the baby calf in the morning after the birth. The gender of a hippopotamus might not be known for some time.
Head ranger, Memory Khumalo, said the average life span of a hippo is 36 to 40 years. Baby hippos are born under water, and spend approximately 18 months suckling on their mothers both in water and on land. Female calves are introduced to the pod almost immediately after birth.
Aquila believes that the birth is an important contribution to the worldwide conservation and understanding these amazing creatures.
Several rhinos were born on the reserve in December 2017, and wildlife was also recently released onto the 10 000 hectare Big 5 conservancy.
Picture: Aquila