Cincinnati Zoo releases new ‘Happy Birthday, Fiona’ book

Hi there. I'm Thane Maynard, director of the Cincinnati Zoo along with Fiona. Our baby hippo. How are you, sweetie. Here's another book about you. It's called Happy Birthday Fiona by Richard Kadre. Who does a great job. He has a number of books out and they're all celebrating you. That's right. Look who's gotten to be a big girl at five years old. Happy birthday! Yeah. Hi, I'm going to read to you. This is called Happy Birthday. Fiona. It was a chilly day at the zoo but warm wishes were in the air as everyone was getting ready for Fiona, the hippo's birthday, That's you. Fiona was growing up and fans from all over the world were sending birthday wishes to their favorite little hippo bags and boxes and bouquets of every shape and size were being delivered by trucks and vans to the zoo, wow, people are so nice to me. Oh look at the fruit bouquet, squealed Fiona as another delivery person dropped off a load of cards and gifts at hippo cove. Fiona's animal friends at the zoo. We're just as excited about Fiona's birthday. It's so exciting. Said the cheetah it sure is. Said the otter, they chitter and chattered about the big day. I think we need to do something to set the monkeys. Let's throw a party said the bear and that's a great idea. They all agreed. Yeah, look at you, How are you, be, Be good to see you. The animals got busy with the party preparations. Some made signs an invitation for Fiona. Look on the big side. Others make cards and gifts for their favorite little hippo Fiona is going to be so excited, squealed. The flamingo. Are you celebrating the birthday to be be? Yeah, you're the mom. The party was all set. The signs and gifts were made and it was time to invite their guest of honor. But every time the animals went to find Fiona and give her the invitation, she was busy. She was busy posing for birthday photos, ST cheese, busy waiting through the bags of fan mail. Dear Fiona, you're amazing, busy trying out a new skateboard. It sure looks like Fiona is having a great birthday, whispered bear. I wonder if she'll have time for our party question. Daughter. Fiona was suddenly whisked away for another photo shoot out in her pool. Hi guys, bye guys! She called out to her friends, let's go, everyone Giraffe whispered as the animals headed home. Fiona doesn't have time for us today and they kind of looked sad. Fiona was having fun. She paddled and blew bubbles and bobbed in the water As the cameras flashed and people cheered. There's the birthday girl and she even had an interview with the local newspaper, Fiona, What's your favorite thing about birthdays? The reporter asked. Fiona smiled for the crowd swam over to eat a birthday treat from her favorite keeper. A watermelon Later that day, as Fiona was looking at more cards and letters, she stopped and glanced around the room. It felt as if something was missing. What was it? Fiona moved onto her pile of new toys as the little birthday hippo road in her shiny new red wagon. She had that feeling again. Something was missing. She looked around the room again and suddenly she knew it. It wasn't something that was missing. It was someone Where are all her animal friends? Where is everyone? Fiona thought to herself as she walked past stacks of gifts and cards and treats. The bananas and grapes were monkeys. Favorite. Where was he Seal would love the new red exercise ball and the meerkats would certainly want to use the new beach pail and shovels. Fiona shared her feelings with BB her mom. None of my friends have come to play. Why don't they want to see my new thing? She asked. You've been very busy. Fiona mama said, have you invited anyone over, Fiona thought a minute. My friends know they can come here anytime sometimes it's nice to be asked, mama said gently, Hi, sweetie. And just then Fiona came up with a great idea. You're a big girl. Thanks mama, I've got this and all. Fiona wins. Fiona made party invitations for all her friends, a birthday party. I can't wait for me. Don't be late, squealed and excited. Fiona, Fiona ran home and gathered up all her gifts, the balls, the shovels, the treats, the flowers, the books, the cars, the wagons, pool floaties and noodles, everything was ready and waiting. Fiona was happier than ever. one x 1. Fiona's friends arrived at the party, Wow! Look at all those presents and yummy treats. You sure are lucky, Fiona, you're right, I'm lucky because these presents aren't for me, there for all of you. The animals went wild with excitement as Fiona handed out her gifts for me. Fiona, this is amazing! Look, I can see myself said flamingo, can I wear this now? Fiona gracias, thank you, squawks, said the two can as everyone played with her party gifts. Fiona had one last surprise, a birthday cake made especially for Fiona and her animal Friends make a birthday wish Fiona, that's okay, she replied. Having you all here means my wish has already come true. Now dig in everyone and they all have fun cake, yum yum yum yum. This is the best party ever. Oh my tummy! Happy birthday! My stuffed little hippo, how does it feel to be a year older? Asked mama. It's a lot of work growing up. But it feels good, replied Fiona. Speaking of work, when are you going to send out your thank you notes? Oh mama, can I do it tomorrow. Of course you can sleep well, birthday girl and she did. And there's Fiona with BB going to bed. That's a fun book. Happy birthday. Fiona

Cincinnati Zoo releases new 'Happy Birthday, Fiona' book ahead of her birthday

Updated: 9:01 AM EST Jan 19, 2022

The Cincinnati Zoo has released a new book called "Happy Birthday, Fiona" ahead of the queen of the Queen City's birthday.Fiona the hippo is celebrating her fifth birthday on Jan. 24.The book, which is recommended for ages 4 to 8, shows Fiona and her friends at the Cincinnati Zoo celebrating the hippo's birthday.It costs $12.99 and is now available to be shipped. Click here to purchase the book or learn more.In the video player above, hear Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard read "Happy Birthday, Fiona" aloud to Fiona.The public is invited to join in celebrating Fiona's fifth birthday.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 Saturday 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.

CINCINNATI —

The Cincinnati Zoo has released a new book called "Happy Birthday, Fiona" ahead of the queen of the Queen City's birthday.

Fiona the hippo is celebrating her fifth birthday on Jan. 24.

The book, which is recommended for ages 4 to 8, shows Fiona and her friends at the Cincinnati Zoo celebrating the hippo's birthday.

It costs $12.99 and is now available to be shipped. Click here to purchase the book or learn more.

In the video player above, hear Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard read "Happy Birthday, Fiona" aloud to Fiona.

The public is invited to join in celebrating Fiona's fifth birthday.

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 Saturday 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.