Welcome to the World!
The zoo's 17-year-old hippo named Bibi gave birth to little Fiona six weeks early on January 24, 2017. She weighed 25 lbs. less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species, prompting critical care from vet staff.
Making Progress
Fiona's health made steady improvements in the weeks after her arrival, and by mid-March she had reached the 90 lb. mark, was eating hay and enjoying time in the pool!
Millennial Hippo
Ever so curious about her surroundings, Fiona couldn't help but get an up-close look at herself on a computer screen.
Fat and Fabulous
By May, Fiona was well into the 200 lb. range and spending plenty of time lounging in her kiddie pool. What. A. Life.
Getting Stronger!
Thanks to Fiona's tireless spirit and determination, she graduated to deeper-level pools after learning how to propel herself through the water.
Meet Bifi
It wasn't until early June that little Fiona began spending time with her mama. In the beginning, Bifi (as they were so lovingly dubbed) interacted during brief, supervised play dates but have since begun adjusting to life in the outdoor pool enclosure.
Let's Introduce Pops
Fiona's dad Henry was reunited with his daughter one month later and from the looks of those hippo grins, their first time interacting went swell!
Hungry, Hungry Hippo
Fiona embraces all her curves and all her edges, and it's a much-needed reminder that we all should too.
Like Father, Like Daughter
It took much longer than anticipated, but Henry, Bibi and Fiona are finally cohabitating as a happy and healthy bloat. She can't get enough time exploring her dads' mouth, which is apparently normal behavior for a growing baby hippo!
Smooch!
Without a finalized schedule in place, Cincinnati Zoo visitors should cross their fingers in anticipation of seeing Fiona out and about. Here she is laying a wet one on her caregiver. Mwah!
Fun in the Sun
This mother-daughter pair spends their afternoons splashing in the pool like any hippos should. And aren't those faces priceless?