On Saturday 28 March, Werribee Open Range Zoo's much-loved baby hippo, Lotus, celebrated her first birthday.

Lotus celebrated poolside with her family and friends in their award winning exhibit, Kubu River Hippos. Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed birthday treats, face-painting and story telling.

Lotus sends a special thanks to Rove McManus who cut her birthday cake and to every one that sent birthday wishes via email. Over 80 messages were on display in a giant, hippo-sized, birthday card.

Lotus is extremely healthy and now weighs more than 350kgs - that's nearly fifteen times more than what she weighed at birth!

Zoo Keepers have watched Lotus gain five to six kilograms a week over the past year, which is normal for a baby Common Hippopotamus. A mature female, like her mum Primrose, can reach 1.4 tonnes.

"We are delighted with her progress and congratulate her mother, Primrose, for raising such a healthy active calf," Zoo Keeper Ben Gee said. "Lotus is now doing lots of exploring and venturing away from mum for longer periods of time.

"When she was younger, she remained by her mother's side for protection but now she is starting to explore her underwater world. However, she is still very much a 'mummy's girl' as she has not yet weaned. Most hippo calves wean at 7 months old," Mr Gee said.

Hippopotamus were once widespread in Africa's rivers, but the illegal bush meat trade has severely impacted populations. The species is now classified as under threat in the wild.

Find out more about the Hippopotamus.