Staff at the Werribee Open Range Zoo have welcomed the birth of a baby hippo.
The three day old calf is feeding well and thought to be around 20 to 40 kilograms.
Keepers say the hippo's mother Brindabella, is very protective, and they have not been able to determine the calf's sex.
General manger of Life Sciences Russel Traher says the first few weeks are critical time.
"While we are cautiously optimistic, the first few weeks area a critical time for both mother and baby and we will be monitoring them closely," he said.
The zoo is home to five hippos, Brindabella, Harry, Primrose, Tulip and Lotus.