A giant hippo has made its way through the Thames Barrier this afternoon.

The 21-metre-long structure, named “HippopoThames” by its creator, renowned Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, passed through the Thames Barrier at around 3.15pm, before reaching its final destination, Nine Elms at the South Bank.

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Members of the public are invited to an afternoon of free family activities and light refreshments at Riverside Gardens, starting the Totally Thames series of events.

Hofman was inspired to construct his latest sculpture by historical evidence that hippos once populated the Thames.

This structure is the first UK commission of Hofman, who is famous for his large works.  His most well-known work is Rubber Duck, a 26-metre high inflatable duck that was unveiled in 2007.