Things have gone belly-up for this sun-loving hippo - but he looks happy enough. The huge animal was spotted lying on its back in the water with its legs in the air as it made the best of the good weather. The hippo was photographed at Kruger National Park, in South Africa, by photographer Jackie Cilliers, who was surprised by the bizarre scene.

The 52-year-old, who was on holiday with her family, took the pictures from a hide about 10 metres from the hippo. The height of relaxation: The hippo was seen sunning its bright pink belly. At first photographer Jackie Cilliers thought the animal was injured, but it later turned out to be chilling out in the water.

At first she thought the mammal might be injured, but instead it looks like it was trying to tan its bright pink belly. Jackie said: 'The images show the hippo pushing off his friend, rolling over, relaxing on his back and yawning. 'The hippo risked being attacked by its mate whom it kept pushing on to turn over. 'It seemed to enjoy being upside down': The hippo was spotted in Kruger National Park in South Africa. The lazy hippo had company as he assumed his unusual pose, which had several people chuckling.

At first I thought that it might be injured or ill, but it happened several times and remained stationary on its back for several minutes at a time. 'It seemed to enjoy being upside down. 'I was surprised and pleased with the images, as were the others in the hide, several people were chuckling at the antics. 'What I love most is his pink tummy. 'I doubt I will ever see this again as it is the first time I or anyone I know has seen this.'

Photographer Jackie Cilliers was in a hide about 10 metres away when she captured the stunning images of the hippos. Playful pose: The hippo with its legs in the air as it floated on its back in the water at the Kruger National Park. At first Jackie feared that the animal was injured, but he later appeared to just enjoy floating on his back. The photos were taken from a hide at the Kruger National Park.