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Awwww

New arrivals at Dublin Zoo (Photos)

Dublin Zoo has recently welcomed two new red panda cubs and a baby calf hippo. We have the (adorable) photos.

DUBLIN ZOO IS celebrating three new arrivals.

The zoo has sent TheJournal.ie some awwwww-inducing photos of its newest additions – a hippopotamus calf and two red panda cubs.

On Monday, Dublin Zoo’s hippopotamus Heidi gave birth to a fit and healthy female hippo calf. Weighing an impressive 30kg, it is the first hippo calf to be born at the zoo in about 10 years.

“We are thrilled with the arrival,” said team leader Helen Clare-Bennet. “Mum Heidi is taking to motherhood very well. Before she goes for her daily nap in the pool she lifts the baby out of the water and places the young calf onto the water bank. Then she props the baby onto her nose to make sure the youngster doesn’t fall into the pool while she is sleeping. It’s a joy to see Heidi taking good care of her young calf.”

The two red panda cubs – one male and one female – were born at the beginning of August but have only started to venture out of their den. Their mum, Angelina, had been hiding the cubs in various places to keep them protected.

New arrivals at Dublin Zoo (Photos)
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  • Dublin Zoo

    Dublin Zoo would like to invite fans to suggest names for the hippo calf based on her African origin. To be in with the chance of winning an annual family pass Dublin Zoo are asking people to post suggestions to on their Facebook page. ©Patrick Bolger Photography
  • Dublin Zoo

    Red pandas have thick, dense fur and a long, bushy tail to keep them warm. ©Patrick Bolger Photography 2011
  • Dublin Zoo

    Eddie O'Brien, team leader at Dublin Zoo, said both pandas are doing well and starting to fend for themselves. ©Patrick Bolger Photography 2011
  • Dublin Zoo

    The two pandas play together. Visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the pair at sunrise and sunset, when they are most active. For the rest of the day they sleep in the trees. ©Patrick Bolger Photography 2011
  • Dublin Zoo

    Red pandas are endangered in the wild but Dublin Zoo's new arrivals are well protected by their mother, Angelina. ©Patrick Bolger Photography 2011
  • Dublin Zoo

    The pandas have fur on the soles of their feet to prevent them from slipping on wet branches. Handy in Ireland! Patrick Bolger Photography 2011

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