A baby hippo miraculous survival after a premature birth had medical staff initially fearing its chances of survival were “zero”.

The female calf Fiona was born two months early – but she is thriving

An adorable baby hippo born two months premature and not expected to live is seen healthy and happy in these incredible photos.

Female calf Fiona was born prematurely at the Ciпcinппati Zoo and needed intensive care to get through her first few weeks.

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

Fiona talks to an employee at the zoo while having fun.Credit: Caters News Ageпcy

At just 29 pounds, she was 25 pounds lighter than the lowest birth weight ever recorded for a Nile hippopotamus, making her a record breaker since day one.

While the staff initially worried that little Fiona wouldn’t survive, she was gradually progressing from strength to strength.

The images show the happy little hippo leaping from a bottle, swimming through a medical examination and preparing to splash around in the water.

The female calf needs 24/7 emergency careCredit: Caters News Ageпcy

Hippos stay in the womb for just over eight months – but Fiona only stays for two months before giving birth.Credit: Caters News Ageпcy

Hippos are one of the largest living mammals, although you wouldn’t know it from looking at FionaCredit: Caters News Ageпcy

At 200 years old, Fiona is a far cry from her early daysCredit: Caters News Ageпcy

The little hippo opens its mouth wide in this photo. Source: Caters News Agency

She still requires regular medical checks but staff are optimistic about her resultsCredit: Caters News Ageпcy

Fiona can’t join her parents right now, but it won’t be long before she can play with mom and dadCredit: Caters News Ageпcy

Although hippos spend most of their time in the water, they cannot swim.Credit: Caters News Ageпcy

Fiona has reached 200 lbs and is learning to move in waterCredit: Caters News Ageпcy

She’s building up her strength before she can join her parents outdoors, but staff say she’s ready.

A zoo spokesman said: “She grew up to be a strong and sassy hippo!

“She weighs over 200 pounds and has figured out that if she doesn’t want to do something, all she has to do is sit down.”

Ciпcinппati Zoo is where beloved gorilla Harambe was tragically shot dead after a toddler fell in his neighborhood last May .

In February, a much-beloved hippo was killed after a “cowardly” attack at El Salvador’s National Zoo.

Zoo director Vladan Henriquez said at a press conference that the hippos were covered in bruises and wounds after apparently being attacked with metal bars, knives and rocks.