Hugo the rhino splashes out in warmer waters

Hugo the rhino is clearly enjoying wallowing in his new £1 million swimming pool.

The Asian one-horned rhinoceros is making regular visits to the indoor swimming complex which opened at Whipsnade Zoo in the spring.

The pools were built when keepers became concerned that the outdoor pools were too cold in winter. So far Hugo, six, is the first of the herd to venture into the warm, muddy waters of the Rhinos of Nepal exhibit. The females in the herd have only been prepared to observe from a distance.

A zoo spokeswoman said: "Keepers are enticing them into the water with fruit and vegetables." Visitors can get a close-up view of the herd, which includes two calves, Asha and Rap.