From Rags to River Horse: Why Fiona the Star Hippo Had a Rough Start
Nov. 29, 2017 - Meet Fiona. People come from all around to see this cute bundle of joy
at the Cincinnati Zoo. She is named after Princess Fiona from the movie Shrek. Fiona was born prematurely and was unable to nurse on her own. She even had trouble breathing. Her lungs weren’t fully developed so the staff had to attach her to oxygen. The zookeepers had to stay with her at all hours of the day just to keep her alive. Eventually they began to introduce Fiona to the water. She loved it. As her lungs developed, she began to swim underwater. She has truly won over the hearts of many. But even though Fiona is adorable, hippos are amongst the most aggressive wild animals on the planet. It is not advised to engage with any hippos that you encounter.
Transcript
Meet Fiona.
People come from all around to see this cute bundle of joy
at the Cincinnati Zoo.
She is named after Princess Fiona from the movie Shrek.
Fiona was born prematurely and was unable to nurse on her own.
She even had trouble breathing.
Her lungs weren’t fully developed so the staff had to attach her to oxygen.
The zookeepers had to stay with her at all hours of the day just to keep her alive.
Eventually they began to introduce Fiona to the water.
She loved it.
As her lungs developed, she began to swim underwater.
She has truly won over the hearts of many.
But even though Fiona is adorable, hippos are amongst the most aggressive wild animals on the planet.
It is not advised to engage with any hippos that you encounter.
