Once a preemie hippo who almost didn't make it, Fiona is thriving ahead of her 5th birthday, her care team says."We’re really excited. Being born so premature and only 29 pounds, we weren’t sure if we would survive. So the fact that she's made it to 5 years old and is thriving is incredible," Senior keeper and one of Fiona's primary caretakers, Jenna Wingate said.Wingate said Fiona is still inspiring people all over the world."We thought the popularity would die off but it hasn't, so it's been amazing. We’re all so proud of her and excited to continue watching her grow up," Wingate said.Fiona's following has only grown over the years."People are still coming and crying when they see her and doing all sort of things for an opportunity to get a photo with her," Wingate said. "People tell us how she's changed their lives or helped them get through hard times whether it's their own illness or their child in the NICU because Fiona was in her own little hippo NICU."Wingate said people can really relate to Fiona and her underdog story to help get them through their days.Born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth — 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species. She survived because of her animal care team's tireless efforts to save her and has inspired many to care about her species and wildlife. Those who purchase a $5 birthday gift will be able to attend the virtual birthday party and get a chance to win a Fiona table and original kiss painting by Fiona.A $20 birthday gift includes an invitation to the party and five chances to win the grand prize.All proceeds will support the zoo and Rare Gem Talent School, an organization for children with dyslexia based in Fiona’s native land and close to the table artist’s heart.“Fiona has fans all over the world, and we want to open her party up to everyone,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “Plus, planning an outdoor celebration in January is risky! A virtual celebration is the perfect way to include everyone.”Gifts must be purchased by Jan. 22, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.The drawing for the table will be on Fiona's birthday and the winner will be announced during her virtual birthday celebration.Click here for more information.
Once a preemie hippo who almost didn't make it, Fiona is thriving ahead of her 5th birthday, her care team says.
"We’re really excited. Being born so premature and only 29 pounds, we weren’t sure if we would survive. So the fact that she's made it to 5 years old and is thriving is incredible," Senior keeper and one of Fiona's primary caretakers, Jenna Wingate said.
Wingate said Fiona is still inspiring people all over the world.
"We thought the popularity would die off but it hasn't, so it's been amazing. We’re all so proud of her and excited to continue watching her grow up," Wingate said.
Fiona's following has only grown over the years.
"People are still coming and crying when they see her and doing all sort of things for an opportunity to get a photo with her," Wingate said. "People tell us how she's changed their lives or helped them get through hard times whether it's their own illness or their child in the NICU because Fiona was in her own little hippo NICU."
Wingate said people can really relate to Fiona and her underdog story to help get them through their days.
Born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth — 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species. She survived because of her animal care team's tireless efforts to save her and has inspired many to care about her species and wildlife.
Those who purchase a $5 birthday gift will be able to attend the virtual birthday party and get a chance to win a Fiona table and original kiss painting by Fiona.
A $20 birthday gift includes an invitation to the party and five chances to win the grand prize.
All proceeds will support the zoo and Rare Gem Talent School, an organization for children with dyslexia based in Fiona’s native land and close to the table artist’s heart.
“Fiona has fans all over the world, and we want to open her party up to everyone,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard. “Plus, planning an outdoor celebration in January is risky! A virtual celebration is the perfect way to include everyone.”
Gifts must be purchased by Jan. 22, 2022, at 11:59 p.m.
The drawing for the table will be on Fiona's birthday and the winner will be announced during her virtual birthday celebration.
Click here for more information.
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