April 1, 1999
Web posted at: 10:28 p.m. EST (0328 GMT)

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (CNN) -- Buenos Aires Zoo proudly displayed its newest resident this week, a baby hippopotamus.

"The birth was very good, completely normal," zoo biologist Luis Jacome said. "We believe it's a male."

The little hippo has already become one of the best-liked zoo attractions, with dozens of visitors flocking to see the newborn. It weighs in at 50 kilograms (110 pounds) but is dwarfed by its mother as they snuggle, swim and doze in their home.

The baby is the third for parents Porota and Garota, according to Buenos Aires Zoo officials.

Although hippos were native to lagoons and rivers in Europe, Asia and Africa, now they remain only in remote parts of Africa and are close to extinction.

Hippos swim and run quickly, much faster than humans. They live to be up to 40 years old, weighing up to 3,600 kilograms (7,900 pounds) and measuring up to 4 meters (13 feet) in length.

Visiting children will get the customary honor of naming the baby after zoo officials conclusively determine the gender.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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