A baby hippo, named Fiona, was born 6 weeks early at the Cincinnati Zoo. The Zoo staff gave her 24 hour care to ensure her survival. They have shared her first steps with the world!
Baby Fiona came into the world a little early, born on the 24th of January she was eager to meet the world and the staff of the Cincinnati Zoo. The staff had to provide 24hrs of care to ensure her survival. Baby Fiona is the first Nile Hippo to be born at the Zoo in 75 years.
Baby hippo’s are required to stand in order to feed from their mothers but because Fiona was premature she was unable to stand and that is when the zoo intervened. Fiona was about 25 pounds lighter than the lowest recorded birth weight for this species
“We are giving her fluids and keeping her moist and warm,” said Christina Gorsuch, curator of mammals at the Cincinnati Zoo. “Her little system is underdeveloped, and getting her to a healthy weight will be a challenge. Vets and animal staff are doing everything they can to get her through this critical time.”
Fiona is a little fighter and thanks to the constant care from the zoo and a vigorous exercise routine the baby hippo has learned how to swim and breathe correctly. More recently she managed to take her first steps. These milestones are important ones because the sooner she is able to stand and swim the sooner the zoo will be able to return Fiona into her mothers care.
“Encouraging news from hippo headquarters this morning. Fiona was active during the night and consumed a good amount of formula on her own! This video, taken by her animal care staff during the overnight shift, shows Fiona’s first steps! Keep the positive vibes coming!”
The baby hippo still has some way to go. But looking at her journey so far, there is no doubt that she will be reunited with her mother very soon.
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