Fiona the preemie hippo continues to get stronger and put on weight — so much so that her care team soon will no longer be able to lift her in and out of her wading pool. So they’ve constructed a ramp to help her walk in and out — but she’s hesitant at first, because while Fiona thrives in the depths, she’s a little afraid of heights.
Thanks to faithful Fionaphile Jenny D. for keeping an eye on the Cincinnati Zoo page.
The grunting at the beginning. The, “Nope, not gonna do it right now, I will sleep right here”. The success.
I’ve got a smile on my face through the whole thing. 🙂
Oh, it’s so wonderful I really hate for it to stop. Her little display of obstreperousness at the start was adorable – she’s absolutely, delightfully blorpiful. What joy her caretakers must feel to see her coming along so well and how lucky are we to witness it.
Had to watch it again with my sound up – thanks for saying something about the grunt. And thanks, Jenny D. for keeping an eye out for Fiona news.
Lovely Fiona video!!!! What a cutie.
The earsies! The earsies!
This is wonderful! You can really see how quickly she progresses – from ‘nope’ at the beginning to the triumphant trotting off at the end. And the finger nomming!
I wonder what hippo kisses feel like.
Probably a bit like that big KRONCHE that Fiona gave her keeper’s leg in one of the earlier videos. 😀
If I could vote “Up” a gazillion times, I would gladly do so. Quite possibly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I am officially ded.
After a long, cranky-sad-cranky day, this is exactly what I needed. Yay, Fiona! Yay, #TeamFiona! Yay, NTMTOM! Yay, Cutetropolis! And Special Thanks to Jenny D.
Ooooh, why cranky sad, Ricky’s Mom? Hope you’re OK.
Oh, I’m fine. I was feeling the stresses of being sandwiched between elderly dog (with massive indigestion yesterday) and elderly parent recovering from a joint replacement, brother’s cat was euthanized a couple of days ago, much-loved uncle is in hospital, my doctor is joining a concierge medicine practice (which is great for patients if they’re in the 1%, otherwise not so much, so I have to find new doctor) … and I was facing a birthday myself.
Today it’s my birthday and it’s very grey outside, but actually I feel *much* better. I may have to “celebrate” by taking Ricky to the vet, but I woke up to lots of lovely cards, and I’m having dinner tonight with a dear friend I haven’t seen in ages. And also Fiona last night helped a lot. She really does have the sweetest face!
Thank you for asking, Murray C. How are you doing?
Baby hippos make the day better. Who knew? You have a lot on your plate so I’m glad Fiona made your birthday brighter. Give Ricky a cuddle for me.
Big hug and Happy birthday!!
Hippo birdie 2 ewe! (I was going to paste a picture, but my tech skills are not up to the task.)
Awww, thanks, you guys!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday 🙂
I’m doing fine – aches and pains but really, mustn’t grumble. Happy Birthday to you-o-o-ou, sorry about all your cares. I keep thinking of the phrase “Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?”
I love Fiona and seeing her grow and thrive!
Such a treat to witness all of Fiona’s tribulations & triumphs! Go Fiona!!
The flippy ears get me every time.
…and the automatic nostril submerge closing.
Yep, the ears get me too. The rest of her does as well but there’s just something about those ear flips she does (if it were only as easy to get water out of my ears!). What a lovely little creature she is. She’s going to be a gorgeous hippo!
She’s come a long way. 75 pounds!