Fiona the Hippo!!! She's been taking social media by storm, and has found the way into the hearts of so many people. One of those people is yours truly. I LOVE Fiona! She is in fact the most beautiful creature in the whole world. Her story is inspiring. She is everything. There are so many reasons why she is such an amazing animal, but here are 5:
1. Fiona is a warrior
Fiona was born six weeks premature, on January 24th, 2017. She was 25lbs under weight. Now in July, she weighs over 300lbs!!! (I'm so proud her )! She is so amazing! The team of zoo staff, nurses, and doctors who made it possible for her to grow and for her to be a healthy hippo are also amazing. When she was born, she weighed 29lbs and had to have 24-hour care for the first few months of her life. She went through a lot, and still has a little ways to go, but she is happy and healthy. Now, she has millions of fans and is hopefully going to have a habitat schedule very soon, so I can go visit her!
2. Fiona is unique
There hasn't been a baby Nile hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo for more than 75 years!!! Isn't that crazy? Fiona is so special! Also, Fiona's ultrasound is the world's first ever ultrasound of a Nile hippo in the womb! The world's FIRST EVER!!! She's made history!
3. Fiona is educational
Fiona's fame has not only shed the light on her, but on her species. Because she was born prematurely, the vets and zoo staff had to learn how to care for a premature hippo calf. Not many other zoos have had to do this, so it was a real learning experience for everyone involved. Also, because of her fame and everyday postings, the zoo is able to educate people on information about hippos! Honestly I know so much about hippos that I never even thought I needed to know. However, I think it's really important and fun for us to learn more about the animals that we share this planet with. Maybe if we learn more about the animals and the wildlife, we'd be more inclined to save them???? Food for thought!
Fun fact: Did you know that hippos are able to sleep both in and out of the water? They have the ability to sleep underwater and get back to the surface without waking up!
Another fun fact: Did you know that a group of hippos is called a BLOAT??? Isn't that the cutest thing you've ever heard???
4. Fiona brings people together
Fiona has so many fans! Millions! She even has a hashtag, #TeamFiona! You can buy Fiona t-shirts, playing cards, and stickers from the zoo and all the money goes towards helping Fiona get the care that she needs! When she was still in critical condition, I know that the money that was donated to her cause was really helpful! You can donate to #TeamFiona here. (If anyone goes to the Cincinnati Zoo anytime soon and wants to buy me a #TeamFiona shirt, I'll Venmo you)!!!
5.Fiona is so cute
Fiona is probably the cutest creature I have ever laid my eyes on. She is everything! I have never loved an animal more than I love Fiona. When she does literally anything, I feel like the proudest mother in the world, and I've never even seen her in real life. Sometimes I cry about it, honestly. It's kind of ridiculous.
Please enjoy some more cute photos of Fiona:
Hope everyone has a great day, and I hope you love Fiona as much as I do now!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FIONA!!
(SHE'S 6 MONTH'S OLD TODAY)!!!
P.S. All information about hippos I learned through keeping up with Fiona, as well as the Cincinnati Zoo Website, and their hippo blog posts! You can follow #TeamFiona here!
