A zoo in the US state of Virginia received the most wonderful of presents for Christmas this year when a baby pygmy hippo was born at the enclosure.

Footage of the adorable newcomer shows it familiarising itself with its surroundings after getting weighed by zoo staff.

The images were obtained by Newsflash from the Metro Richmond Zoo, along with a statement: “Christmas came early at the zoo!

“We did indeed receive a hippopotamus for Christmas this year. Congratulations to pygmy hippo parents Iris and Corwin on the birth of their female calf.”

The cute female calf that was born on 6th December after a seven-month gestation period is yet to be named.

“This is the second pygmy hippo calf born at the zoo and in Virginia,” the Metro Richmond Zoo added.