A male hippopotamus has been brought to the Lahore Zoo from Africa as part of an ongoing revamping project, marking a significant addition to the facility, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

According to the zoo administration, the newly arrived hippo will be paired with an existing female to support breeding of the species. Officials said the animal is in good health and has been placed under observation.

A team of expert veterinarians is closely monitoring and caring for the animal.

The administration added that the hippopotamus has begun adapting to its new enclosure, where it has been grazing and using the water pool in line with its natural aquatic habitat.

Zoo records indicate that the previous male hippopotamus, named Raja, died in October 2015. The animal had been brought to the zoo in 1974 and was over 50 years old at the time of its death.