As I have noted on the last two mural posts, Resa (@ Graffiti Lux and Murals) is sponsoring her own Kid’s month. Although she has mainly featured murals, the idea just came to me that Cincinnati is home to a very special kid and has turned into a local celebrity during her short life.
She was born prematurely on January 24th and has required special care ever since. As a matter of fact, her care team is attempting to do something that has never been done.
Meet Fiona, the baby hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo. She was born 6 weeks early at 25 pounds (11.4 kg) and 29 pounds (13.1 kg) underweight.
Photo by Cincinnati Zoo
Her special care has involved being on oxygen, receiving a special milk, and more. Besides, baby hippos nurse underwater. Keep in mind that the zoo is flying blind on this because raising a premature hippo hasn’t been done before.
Here are her first steps.
Not only is Fiona’s progress news here, she has a global following. Below is the latest article about her and a link to the Cincinnati Zoo blog to follow her progress.
- Most recent local article that USA Today also published
- Cincinnati Zoo blog about Fiona that regularly posts updates
Like any kid, Fiona loves to play in water.
A Frank Angle 
That underwater video was the cutest. I liked when Fiona put her mouth on the attendant’s leg. Thanks for this, Frank
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John,
There are a lot of videos and images of Fiona that will bring a smile. If you get a chance, look around. 🙂
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The lack to time to do that is you know who’s fault.
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Exactly what I was thinking!
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🙂
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Reblogged this on Người Đến Từ Bình Dương.
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Who knew a baby hippo could be so very cute! I’m sure everyone involved is totally besotted and learning a lot!
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Pauline,
Fiona I quite the celebrity … and the Zoo is has been in constant learning mode. Check out the cute pic at this link … the pic of Fiona sleeping on a man’s chest. http://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/fiona-cincinnati-zoos-adored-baby-hippo-being-held-chest-to-chest-to-regulate-her-breathing
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Amazing! What happened to Fiona’s mother Frank?
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Keep in mind that baby hippos nurse underwater … Because Fiona was premature, she couldn’t do what infants do … so her care was put upon the zoo. Meanwhile, mom and dad are fine and nearby … close enough to notice the scents. Heck, they were able to get some milk from a calm mom so the milk could be tested. I guess the reunion assimilation will be a test in itself.
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I’ve been seeing a lot of Fiona lately. It’s always good to have babies at the zoo.
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Elyse,
Glad to see Fiona making the DC/NVa news because she is a worthy story …. and better than most of the news coming from the swamp.
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This is the cutest thing!
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Lenora,
Now that’s an understatement. 🙂 Glad you got to meet Fiona.
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OK. I felt a little bit like the first video was me the morning after drinking a bit too much Tuica. (Romanian version of moonshine) 😉
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Gabe,
Oh no … but I can picture what you are saying. 🙂
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Ah, congratulations Frank for picking the perfect face for a Monday! Fiona is adorable! 🙂 Happy Monday, my friend. 🙂
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Marina,
I knew you enjoy meeting Fiona. There is a picture of her sleeping across the chest of one of the zoo workers.
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I saw it…. Animals are such great models, aren’t they?!!!!
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Awww. Baby steps by Fiona and her keepers. Fingers crossed all goes well. Not foolish as everything learned will help in the future – possibly both man and beast…and then’s there’s that cute little one. Thanks for the smiles
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Mouse,
Well stated. The youngster is doing well, but I wonder about how well the integration when she returns to her parents … but I also don’t know the plan or timeline.
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I’ve never thought of hippos as particularly cute, but oh my–this baby is so cute! Thanks for sharing, Frank.
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Merril,
Definitely a fair assessment. After all, I don’t most of us would know if it wasn’t for Fiona’s story.
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What a great post, Frank! Thanks for sharing g Fiona with us!
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Dale,
I would say Fiona deserves a cello toast. Cheers … clink!
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Baby anything is precious including Fiona. And I love her name. It suits her. 😊
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Brigitte,
Baby anythings do have a way of charming us! 🙂 … Glad you enjoyed meeting Fiona.
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I loved this! Love happiness.
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Val!!!
Great seeing you here! 😀 … and a happy post does all of us good!
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I like the name Fiona and plan to make a trip to the Cincinnati Zoo next week to see her.
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Tim,
Beware, I’m not sure she is displayed to the public, but mom and dad are!
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Frank, driving down the road today and in the middle of a sports headlines update – on a sports talk station mind you – the last thing the announcer reads is “that hippo at the Cincinnati zoo is doing well underwater”…or something to that effect. I wasn’t prepared to hear anything like that in that moment and therefore didn’t fully comprehend what was said. And now you’ve filled in the blanks. I hadn’t heard of Fiona when I woke up this morning but now I’m invested in keeping up with her progress!
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Bruce,
Oh wow … this is a great story … and quite serendipitous. Simply unreal timing! Today the zoo announce Fiona reached an important milestone, but I’ll save the announcement here for later. 😉
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What a cutie pie! It’s a wonderful story! I’m going to get this in as a reblog before the month is over, only 10 days left!
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Resa,
She is adorable and worthy of all the attention she is receiving. Your dedicated month is what stimulated this post, so thanks for the inspiration beyond murals. After all, readers seem to be enjoying Fiona.
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Ohhhh Fiona is precious! Loved both videos 🙂
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Christy,
Glad you enjoyed meeting Fiona. Today the zoo reported she surpassed 100 pounds.
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I always thought I wanted a pygmy horse or pot-bellied pig! Now I want a hippo. 🙂 I love Fiona! I’m so glad you remembered to share her with us.
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Debra,
Your love and appreciation doesn’t surprise me. Then again (and somehow), neither did your desire for a pot bellied pig. Nonetheless, you may want to include the blog about Fiona in your Favorites.
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Ridiculously cute.
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AV,
I think your two-word comment is quite powerful. 🙂
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