By Daily Mail Reporter


Helpful nudge: Adhama is pushed along by his mother Funani while swimming at San Diego Zoo


They may not be creatures known for their agility and grace, but baby hippo Adhama looks like he enjoys doing things his own way.

The adorable creature has become a crowd-pleasing hit at San Diego Zoo thanks to his upside-down underwater japes.

The seven-month-old calf twists and turns in his underwater home while showing off an enviable array of flips and spins.

Look at me! Adhama shows off her underwater agility during her amazing routine

Spinning around: With a little help from mum, Adhama carries on her upside-down antics

Underwater fun: Adhama has become 'more independent' in recent months according to staff at the zoo


His exploits are all carried out under the surface under the watchful eye of his mother Funani.

Adhama's hilarious dance moves and pirouettes have even seen watching visitors compare him to the ballet-dancing hippos in Disney's Fantasia.

The animated film sees tutu-wearing hippos spinning around a fountain, in a sequence which has been replicated in parts at San Diego Zoo.

Matt Akel, Animal care supervisor at the zoo, said Adhama - born weighing 100 pounds in January - has become more independent as he grows up.

He said: 'It's interesting that Adhama's personality has definitely blossomed. He's playing around with his mum and mouthing his mum.

Taking a breather: Adhama plays above the surface with his mother during a break in one of his exhausting routines

Inspiration? Many visitors have compared Adhama's exploits to the hippo dancing scene from Disney's Fantasia


'You see her push him around, but she's just playing. You see him stand up on the rock to take a breath, spin sideways and tumble in the water.

'He's interesting to watch and we tend to get really big crowds.'

YouTube footage of Adhama's exploits has already made the young hippo an internet star after generating tens of thousands of hits.




source:dailymail