The queen of the Queen City turns is officially 5 years old.Cincinnati Zoo’s darling hippopotamus Fiona is celebrating her 5th birthday Monday and everyone is celebrating, including the Cincinnati Reds.The Reds gifted Fiona her very own jersey, with her name embroidered on the back.Since it’s too cold for the beloved queen of the Queen City to be outside on her big day, the zoo is hosting a virtual celebration.50 photos to celebrate Fiona the hippo’s 5th birthdayCincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will be hosting a virtual birthday celebration.”It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since Fiona was born,” said Cincinnati Zoo director and party host Thane Maynard. “She has touched so many people with her story of survival and has become a symbol of hope for millions of people around the world.”Once a preemie hippo who almost didn’t make it, Fiona is thriving ahead of her 5th birthday, her care team says.Busken Bakery creates stunning Fiona birthday cake for Cincinnati Zoo”Fiona’s story tugs at the heartstrings,” said Maynard. “She was born premature and too small to stand to nurse from her mom. The zoo’s vets and hippo care team stepped in to try to nurse her to health. It was a tough journey. We almost lost her a couple of times, but she made it and eventually rejoined her mom and dad. This 5th birthday is extra special considering her rough start.”Senior keeper and one of Fiona’s primary caretakers, Jenna Wingate, says Fiona is still inspiring people all over the world.’We’re not in a hurry’: Fiona still too young, small to be thinking about boys”We thought the popularity would die off but it hasn’t, so it’s been amazing. We’re all so proud of her and excited to continue watching her grow up,” Wingate said.Fiona’s following has only grown over the years.From preemie to thriving: Fiona continues to inspire others with her underdog story, care team says”People are still coming and crying when they see her and doing all sort of things for an opportunity to get a photo with her,” Wingate said. “People tell us how she’s changed their lives or helped them get through hard times, whether it’s their own illness or their child in the NICU because Fiona was in her own little hippo NICU.”Wingate said people can really relate to Fiona and her underdog story to help get them through their days.Primatologist Jane Goodall sends Fiona video message for 5th birthdayBorn six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth — 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species. She survived because of her animal care team’s tireless efforts to save her and has inspired many to care about her species and wildlife.
The queen of the Queen City turns is officially 5 years old.
Cincinnati Zoo’s darling hippopotamus Fiona is celebrating her 5th birthday Monday and everyone is celebrating, including the Cincinnati Reds.
The Reds gifted Fiona her very own jersey, with her name embroidered on the back.
Since it’s too cold for the beloved queen of the Queen City to be outside on her big day, the zoo is hosting a virtual celebration.
50 photos to celebrate Fiona the hippo’s 5th birthday
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will be hosting a virtual birthday celebration.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since Fiona was born,” said Cincinnati Zoo director and party host Thane Maynard. “She has touched so many people with her story of survival and has become a symbol of hope for millions of people around the world.”
Once a preemie hippo who almost didn’t make it, Fiona is thriving ahead of her 5th birthday, her care team says.
Busken Bakery creates stunning Fiona birthday cake for Cincinnati Zoo
“Fiona’s story tugs at the heartstrings,” said Maynard. “She was born premature and too small to stand to nurse from her mom. The zoo’s vets and hippo care team stepped in to try to nurse her to health. It was a tough journey. We almost lost her a couple of times, but she made it and eventually rejoined her mom and dad. This 5th birthday is extra special considering her rough start.”
Senior keeper and one of Fiona’s primary caretakers, Jenna Wingate, says Fiona is still inspiring people all over the world.
‘We’re not in a hurry’: Fiona still too young, small to be thinking about boys
“We thought the popularity would die off but it hasn’t, so it’s been amazing. We’re all so proud of her and excited to continue watching her grow up,” Wingate said.
Fiona’s following has only grown over the years.
From preemie to thriving: Fiona continues to inspire others with her underdog story, care team says
“People are still coming and crying when they see her and doing all sort of things for an opportunity to get a photo with her,” Wingate said. “People tell us how she’s changed their lives or helped them get through hard times, whether it’s their own illness or their child in the NICU because Fiona was in her own little hippo NICU.”
Wingate said people can really relate to Fiona and her underdog story to help get them through their days.
Primatologist Jane Goodall sends Fiona video message for 5th birthday
Born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth — 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species. She survived because of her animal care team’s tireless efforts to save her and has inspired many to care about her species and wildlife.
