Cincinnati Zoo recently took to social media to delight fans with a charming video of its beloved hippo family this past Monday, October 26, in celebration of National Pumpkin Day. In an engaging display of animal antics, Fiona, her mother Bibi, brother Fritz, and fellow hippo Tucker were seen enthusiastically munching on pumpkins, much to the joy of onlookers.
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The zoo’s Instagram post included a caption that read, “In honour of National Pumpkin Day, Bibi, Fiona, Tucker and Fritz enjoyed one of their favourite treats!” The video, shared both on Instagram and Facebook, featured the hippos playfully in the water with their mouths wide open, devouring the orange fruit with gusto. Zoo visitors witnessed the delightful scene as the hippos crunched through their pumpkin feast in a matter of moments.
Highlighting the excitement of the day, Cincinnati Zoo commented in their Facebook post, “Sound up for some serious pumpkin crunching. Our hippos are celebrating National Pumpkin Day, and nobody is more excited than Tucker,” referencing the enthusiastic hippo seen relishing the pumpkin. The zoos noted that Tucker has a particular fondness for pumpkins, explaining that these large fruits provide essential enrichment for the hippos, stimulating their senses and offering a fun challenge at feeding time.
Fiona, who has become a global sensation since her premature birth in January 2017, has drawn attention not just for her adorable appearance but also for her remarkable story. She was born six weeks early and was initially too fragile to stand or nurse, requiring constant care from her dedicated human team. Today, she thrives at Cincinnati Zoo alongside her family, which includes her mother Bibi, younger brother Fritz, who joined the family in 2022, and Tucker.
The hippo community faced a significant loss when Fiona’s father, Henry, passed away in October 2017. The decision to humanely euthanise the 36-year-old hippo came after he endured a prolonged struggle with a chronic infection and kidney issues. His memory remains cherished at the zoo, which continues to celebrate the joy he brought to visitors.
Recently, Fiona marked another milestone as she celebrated her ninth birthday in January. In line with her playful spirit, the celebrations featured a special watermelon cake, shared through an adorable video posted by the zoo. Due to cold weather conditions, the care team brought the festivities indoors, where Fiona joyfully devoured the entire watermelon, showcasing her love for food and fun.
Fiona’s journey from fragile calf to the spirited hippo we see today exemplifies the dedication of the zoos’ caretakers and the important role that animal enrichment plays in the lives of zoo animals. With special days such as National Pumpkin Day, Cincinnati Zoo is committed to providing not just nourishment, but also joyful experiences for its residents.
The engaging videos of Fiona and her family munching on pumpkins serve as a reminder of the enjoyment that animals bring to our lives. As hippos crunch through their seasonal treats, they also invite us to celebrate the lighter moments in life, continuing to capture the hearts of zoo-goers and animal lovers worldwide.
As Cincinnati Zoo shares Fiona’s adventures, they encourage fans to stay connected through their social media channels, providing updates on the lives of their beloved animals and special events taking place at the zoo. With Fiona as a prominent figure in the zoo, her story continues to inspire a love for wildlife and the importance of conservation efforts.