Werribee Open Range Zoo’s new baby hippo finally has a name thanks to a naming competition that attracted hundreds of entries.

Lotus is the winning entry by Corrie Enei whom named the hippo after one of her favourite flowers.

Mrs Enei, a 38 year old mother-of-four from Maude, said she chose the name because she had always loved the African flower and because it grew in muddy water.

“The name was also fitting because the baby hippo’s mother is called Primrose and her sister is Tulip, all flower names,” she said.

Hippo keeper, Ben Gee, said the keepers also loved the new name that will replace her nickname, Muddy.

Mr Gee thanked the hundreds of people whom took the time to submit an entry and visit the Kubu River Hippo exhibit.

“We also encourage people whom haven’t seen Lotus or our amazing world-first hippo exhibit to come and visit soon. It has 120 metres of boardwalks with no glass or wire, only low fencing, which allows amazing views of these fascinating creatures,” he said.

“You’ll also see how quickly little Lotus is growing. She’s extremely healthy and has already quadrupled her weight which is now close to 80kgs.”

Photograph courtesy Sunday Herald Sun