Melbourne Zoo plays matchmaker to two endangered pygmy hippos

Melbourne Zoo is playing matchmaker to two endangered pygmy hippos in the hope they will get down and dirty.

Zookeepers have been keeping a close eye on 29-year-old female Petre, who has been showing signs that she is ready to mate.

But forget perfume and longing glances, the smell of Petre's poo tells mate Felix that she is coming into season.

This will be seven-year-old Felix's first time between the sheets but Petre is an experienced breeder, having given birth to four calves previously.

The pair has been spending their nights in adjacent pens, where they can see, hear and smell each other.

But the zoo notes that pygmy hippopotamuses are largely solitary creatures and if Petre is not ready to breed, the introduction could turn violent - prompting keepers to abort the mission.

If a successful mating occurs, the gestation time for pygmy hippos is about 185 days.

The zoo's most recent pygmy hippo calf was born in 1981, so keepers are excited at the prospect of new arrival early next year.