AN adorable baby hippo who was born two months early and was not expected to live is seen healthy and happy in these incredible photos.

Female calf Fiona was born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo and required critical care to make it through her first few weeks.

Adorable baby Fiona’s life was in the balance after she was born prematurely – but now she’s healthy and happyCredit: Caters News Agency

The little fighter was 25lbs lighter than the lowest ever recorded birth weight for a Nile hippoCredit: Caters News Agency

Fiona snuggles up to a member of staff at the zoo while enjoying a snoozeCredit: Caters News Agency

Fiona when she was first born and staff feared she would not surviveCredit: Caters News Agency

Weighing a mere 29lbs, she was 25lbs lighter than the lowest ever recorded birth weight for a Nile hippo, making her a record breaker from day one.

While staff were originally worried that little Fiona would not survive, she is now going from strength to strength.

Pictures show the happy little hippo guzzling from a bottle, snoozing through a medical check and getting used to splashing about in the water.

The hungry hippo has come on in leaps and boundsCredit: Caters News Agency

The female calf required round-the-clock emergency careCredit: Caters News Agency

Hippos are usually in the womb for just over eight months – but Fiona was two months prematureCredit: Caters News Agency

Hippopotamuses are among the largest living land mammals, although you wouldn’t know it from looking at FionaCredit: Caters News Agency

At 200 pounds, Fiona is a far cry from her early days of lifeCredit: Caters News Agency

The little hippo opens her mouth wide in this cute pictureCredit: Caters News Agency

She still requires frequent medical checks but staff are optimistic about her futureCredit: Caters News Agency

Fiona can’t join her parents just yet, but it won’t be long before she can play with mum and dadCredit: Caters News Agency