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Premature baby hippo takes her first bath at Ohio zoo

By Ben Hooper
A baby hippo has her first experience in a pool at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Screenshot: Storyful
A baby hippo has her first experience in a pool at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. Screenshot: Storyful

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Jan. 27 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden shared video of a premature baby hippo reluctantly taking her first bath in a wading pool.

The zoo posted a video to YouTube showing the 2-day-old hippopotamus, born six weeks early, having her "first pool experience."

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The hippo appears reluctant at first, but eventually seems to enjoy the bath.

"Most hippos are born in the water, but they can't actually swim," the zoo said. "Pool time will help her build muscles and balance and maintain an optimal body temperature of 96-98 degrees."

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