Link to newsround

Bumpy the hippo rescued by keepers in Kenya

a baby hippo under a red blanket cuddled up to a keeper under an orange blanket with a green diamond pattern Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Meet Bumpy, a hippo calf being looked after by keepers in Kenya.

The orphan is being looked after by the charity Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, who are experts in looking after animals like hippos and rhinos,

Keepers are bottle-feeding him and giving him lots of love and attention until he's strong enough to be released back into the wild.

"He is a very snuggly creature and is happiest when nestled on or against someone," the sanctuary said - from the photos, it's clear to see that Bumpy loves a cuddle.

More animal news

a baby hippo lying on some hay cuddling a keeper wearing a green top and trousersSheldrick Wildlife Trust

Little Bumpy has been snuggled up to the keepers' sides ever since he arrived

Kenya Wildlife Service rescued Bumpy, and after giving him to Sheldrick, he was flown by helicopter to Sheldrick's Kaluku sanctuary near Tsavo East National Park in Southern Kenya.

The sanctuary has been sharing Bumpy's story and photos at his new location – at a pool near the Athi River which runs through the park.

a baby hippo smiling in a car on the lap of a keeper wearing a hat and yellow jacketSheldrick Wildlife Trust

He seems to be loving his new home

"[Bumpy] spends a lot of the day submerged - but never alone. A rather waterlogged keeper is by his side throughout the day, in the water or on the ground," one of the keepers told the BBC.

He's got a new bestie too!

One-year-old Kaluku is being kept in another part of the same park, and they're expected to be released back into the wild together.

Hippo fact file

a hippo in the water looking at the camera with its mouth openGetty Images

Staying in the water helps protect their skin from the sun

  • Hippos are one of the largest land mammals, after elephants and of similar size to rhinos

  • They're semi-aquatic, which means they spend their time on land and in water

  • Despite this, they can't actually swim because they're too heavy, instead they they walk or push off the bottom and glide through the water

  • They can weigh up to 3500kg, which is about the same as three small cars or six grizzly bears!

  • Hippopotamus comes from ancient Greek that translates as 'river horse'