Fiona the hippo gets lots of love on her 7th birthday.
The Cincinnati Zoo celebrated its popular lifelong resident with a sweet Instagram post Wednesday, featuring a compilation of Fiona’s videos and a caption that tells her story.
“Happy birthday, Fiona! Today it’s all about Princess Fiona! It’s hard to believe that 7 years ago today, she flew into our lives!” reads “There was so much uncertainty and fear when she was born so small and so early, but she proved everyone wrong and secured a permanent place in all of our hearts! She is resilient. She is a fighter. She is unique. She’s Fiona! Happy Happy Birthday Fiona!!”
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The post, which has almost 800 comments wishing Fiona all the best on her special day, ended with a chance for followers to win the “Ultimate Hippo Getaway” in Fiona’s honour.
Another post documented every year of Fiona’s life, with clips of her as a baby hippo until her 7th birthday.
“Take a walk down memory lane with us for Fiona’s 7th birthday!” the inscription says. “From being born six weeks premature and weighing 29 pounds, she has thrived and today weighs a healthy 2,511 pounds! 🥹🤩 #teamfiona”
Supporters gushed over Fiona’s photos and videos — and the role the Cincinnati Zoo played in her care — in the comments.
“Thank you for making sure sweet Fiona has a wonderful life! 💗🦛❤️🦛,” one follower wrote.
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Another commented: “I cried watching this! It’s wonderful! Thank you Cincinnati Zookeepers for your dedication and love for all you care for! ❤️❤️❤️”
Cincinnati Zoo/Instagram
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According to the Cincinnati Zoo’s website, Fiona became “world famous” after they shared her story of how she was born too small to stand, requiring 24-hour human care.
“Sharing her highs and lows with the world (every day for nearly two years), she has become a beloved symbol of hope and a source of inspiration for millions,” the site says.
She still lives with her mother, Bibi, who has another baby hippo — a son born in 2022 — whom fans call Fritz. The siblings have quite a fan base for all their adorable moments.
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Source: HIS Education