Fiona the hippo: Cutest baby pictures from the Cincinnati Zoo
Fiona the hippo was born six weeks early on Jan. 24, 2017, and since then the Cincinnati Zoo has chronicled her journey to health on their social media feeds and in a special blog dedicated to the baby hippo.
The internet quickly fell in love, and Fiona went viral — garnering support and fans from across the country and around the world.
A morning hippo
Fiona had a little bit of extra energy on the morning of Feb. 2, the zoo reported.
Deep breaths
When Fiona was still a newborn, caretakers would put her on their chests so that she could feel and imitate normal breathing.
Big appetite
On Feb. 6, the zoo reported that Fiona was eating well and had gained 37 pounds since birth.
Fair Fiona
Fiona's name means "fair."
Her animal care team thought "this name suits her personality," said Christina Gorsuch, curator of mammals at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Teething face
On Feb. 13, the zoo reported that Fiona had started teething.
Not camera-shy
Fiona clearly does not mind posing for the camera.
Fan mail
By March 4, Fiona had already become something of a celebrity. Here, she checks out her fan mail.
Pool time
On March 19, Fiona was still teething, but she was having fun with it while in the pool.
"Stronger every day"
On March 29, the zoo reported that Fiona weighed in at 116 pounds and was getting "stronger every day."
Hello
Since Fiona was initially raised by human caregivers, she recognizes them when they're nearby.
Sunning
According to the Cincinnati Zoo, hippos don't actually float or swim. They walk along the floors of pools and propel themselves upward. So here's Fiona on a raft.
Go Reds
Guess Fiona is a Cincinnati Reds fan. What else would she be?
"130 pounds of attitude!"
On April 4, the zoo reported Fiona was "130 pounds of attitude!"
Nap time
Hippo babies need naps just like human babies, the Cincinnati Zoo pointed out on April 9.
Bottle time
On April 11, the zoo reported that Fiona was drinking 64 ounces of formula five times a day.
Kisses
Fiona seems to kiss Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard on April 12.
Mommy and me
Fiona was not able to be immediately introduced to her parents, but on April 14, she was allowed to touch her mom, Bibi, through mesh.
Formula and hay
On April 16, 2017, the zoo reported that Fiona had made it to 160 pounds on a diet of formula and hay.
An "odd position"
The zoo caught Fiona sleeping in an "odd position" on April 17, 2017.
166 pounds
On April 18, the zoo reported that Fiona was consuming 360 ounces of formula per day and weighed 166 pounds.
A kiss
Here, Fiona greets a member of her care team.
"Ear wiggle"
A zoo photographer caught Fiona on April 27 "mid ear wiggle."
Big booty
"It's a BIG day," the zoo announced on April 30. "Fiona has reached 200 lbs!"
That's me!
Fiona checks out a Facebook update about herself.
Show off that chin
"Double chins are a good thing when you're a hippo," the zoo wrote on May 12, reporting that Fiona was 227 pounds.
Takin' a dip
Fiona was able to hold her breath under water for up to two minutes on May 26.
A new outfit
Fiona does not like bubbles, according to the zoo. But she does like wearing cardboard boxes.
Fish friends
Fiona tries to interact with talapia in her pool by using her mouth.
Playtime
Fiona plays in the waterfall in her outside area.
"Diva face"
On June 20, the zoo reported that Fiona had reached 317 pounds, which brought her to the average weight of a full-term baby hippo of the same age.
The zoo called this Fiona's "diva face."
Momma
Fiona hangs out with her mom, Bibi.
Mom love
Fiona gives her mom a kiss on the cheek.
So many fans
The zoo posted this picture and called out for Fiona followers from outside of Ohio to say in the comments where they are from.
More than 57,000 people commented.
"Mondays are hard"
"Mondays are hard," the zoo posted with this picture. Ain't that the truth.
Dad!
On July 11, Fiona was finally able to meet her father, Henry.
Family reunion
On July 12, Fiona got two hours of family time.
Protecting Fiona
Mom Bibi intervenes when dad Henry gets too close to baby Fiona.
Mom and dad
Fiona gets love from her parents.
Wake up, mom!
"When you're trying to sleep in on the weekend but your kid says get up," the zoo captioned this picture on July 22.
Nap time
Fiona sleeps on Bibi on July 23.
Mom and daughter
Bibi and Fiona.