PREVIEW

Adorable baby pygmy hippo Piper has made a splash by taking her first dip in the pool.

The three-week-old youngster took the plunge at Edinburgh Zoo, following mum Gloria into the water before plucking up the courage to paddle off on her own.

Piper completed a lap of the pool and even stopped for a tentative nibble on a piece of driftwood.

She then patiently stayed beside mum while Gloria enjoyed a snooze in the water.

And when it was time to get back on dry land, the tiny hippo was given a helping hand by animal team leader Jonny Appleyard.

Piper was born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo.