Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens visitors may get a quick peek of the baby hippopotamus if they have luck on their side. The zoo posted video on Monday, June 5, saying Fiona is making short visits to the outdoor pool during regular zoo hours.
The zoo, though, warned Fiona does not have a set schedule for these appearances.
“Timing depends on weather, Fiona’s energy level, her interest in venturing out, etc,” the zoo wrote on Facebook. “Visitors may or may not see her if she is out. Consider it a bonus if you’re here and you sneak a peek!”
A more reliable schedule for Fiona’s appearances may come out later in the summer.
Fiona was born six weeks early in January at just 29 pounds, well below the normal 55-110 pound birth weight for hippos. A team from the zoo has been caring for her away from her parents — BiBi and Henry — since her birth. Fiona and BiBi have been re-introduced with barriers between the two recently, which have been positive, according to the zoo. Fiona ventured into her outdoor enclosure for the first time with the media watching on May 31.
