This is the adorable moment an ageing hippo enjoyed having her teeth brushed and her mouth washed.

The 55-year-old hippopottomus named Mali was doused with cool water at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chonburi province on February 1.

The morning routine involves a zookeeper scrubbing the animal’s teeth as she opens wide.

Mali then has cooling shower with the hosepipes as temperatures reach 30 degrees Celsius in Thailand.

The keeper said: ‘Mail loves water, especially during the hot season. Whenever she’s out for a shower, she is well-behaved.’

Mali, the oldest hippo in Thailand, was given a birthday party last year complete with a cake made of fruits and vegetables.

Hippos generally live up to between 35 and 50 years old in the wild. However, those in captivity have a slightly longer life expectancy.