Cincinnati Zookeepers Show How They Keep the Hippos Happy When the Temperature Drops
When the weather outside is rightful, like it has been for much of this past week in the United States, zoo keeps have to come up with ways to keep the zoo animals both mentally and physically stimulated.
At the Cincinnati zoo, where snow has been falling and temperatures have been dipping into the teens, Senior hippo keeper Jenna Wingate shows how Fritz and Fiona are living their best lives despite freezing temperatures.
The adorable video was shared by the TikTok account for @cincinnatizoo and it's the best seeing how well these hippos are cared for! TikTok users agree and @Spicyunicorn comments, "Literally a game of hungry hungry hippos! " @Becky adds, "Fritz is great but Fiona is my princess FOREVER." @Violet replies, "I’m now going to call chopped salad “lettuce confetti” so I’ll eat more." @Stephanie asks the question we all want the answer to with, "Do you ever just smooch them right on the snooter? They’re so cute, so so cute!"
Related: Cincinnati Zoo Shares Adorable Baby Hippo Training Session
The zoo posted on Facebook: Some chilly content! Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the keepers help keep the hippos happy and active when it's too cold to go outside! In addition to extra attention, training sessions and swimming in one of the two indoor pools, the hippos also get extra enrichment!
These hippos can also enjoy both their indoor and outdoor pools, weather permitting. The weather has to be 40 degrees or warmer for the hippos to venture outside, and we don't blame them!
Fiona The Hippo Turns Seven
The Cincinnati Zoo is getting ready to celebrate a very exciting birthday next week, because the zoo's beloved hippo Fiona will be turning seven-years-old. She was born 6 weeks before she was due and was too small to stand and nurse from her mom, Bibi. The Zoo’s care team had to step in and figure out how to feed her, what to feed her, how to keep her warm, and how to manage critical care 24/7 while juggling other daily responsibilities.
The zoo posted on Facebook: To celebrate we are offering the Ultimate Hippo Getaway where one lucky winner will get to meet all 4 hippos, enjoy a 2-night hotel stay at The Graduate Cincinnati, and receive a $1,000 Visa gift card! Fiona will be 7 on January 24, 2024 and the zoo is offering $7 admission to all guests.It costs $7 to enter the contest and the prizes seem pretty spectacular, including a chance to meet all four of the zoo's hippos.
You can find more information about Fiona's birthday celebration and the contest by visiting their website here.
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