Current age and birth date
As of 2024, Fiona is approximately 7 years old. She was born on January 24, 2017 at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. This birth date is verified by the Zoo’s official records and widely reported by accredited media covering her debut and ongoing care.
Verified profile details
Fiona gained global attention as a premature Nile hippo who required specialized neonatal care. The Zoo confirmed her identity, birth date, and key milestones through press releases, veterinary updates, and public communications. Her early medical needs shaped best practices for hippo care and remain a reference for zoological teams worldwide.
Age milestones timeline
| Date or Period | Milestone | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 24, 2017 | Birth at Cincinnati Zoo | Verified start point for age and care history |
| 2017–2018 | Neonatal intensive care and bottle feeding | Established protocols for premature hippo care |
| 2019 | First public appearances and weigh-ins | Demonstrated healthy weight gain and social development |
| 2020–2022 | Social introductions and habitat use | Supported successful integration with adult hippos |
| 2023–2024 | Adult care, breeding participation, and ambassador role | Continues to contribute to conservation education and species management |
Early life and neonatal care
Fiona was born six weeks early and weighed about 29 pounds (13 kg), significantly below the typical range for her species. The Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams provided around-the-clock monitoring, including incubator support, specialized milk formula, and gradual introduction to pool time. These interventions set a precedent for managing premature hippos and remain documented in zoo and aquarium care manuals.
Health and development milestones
- Weight gain goals tracked weekly with regular veterinary exams
- Introduction to adult hippo companionship to support social behavior
- Participation in protected contact training for voluntary medical care
- Active role as an ambassador species for Hippo conservation messaging
Current status and role at the Cincinnati Zoo
Fiona continues to reside at the Cincinnati Zoo’s Fiona & Friends Hippo Cove. She participates in a small bachelor group with other male hippos and takes part in tailored training that allows caregivers to conduct health checks without free contact. Her ongoing care supports research into hippo behavior, thermoregulation, and habitat design, making her a long-term ambassador for her species.
Comparison with other zoo-born hippos
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Birth date | January 24, 2017 | Cincinnati Zoo birth record |
| Neonatal weight | Approx. 29 lb (13 kg) | Veterinary logs |
| First public debut | March 2017 | Zoo press release |
| First adult companion introduced | 2020 (partner Basil) | Zoo care updates |
| Current setting | Hippo Cove bachelor group | Cincinnati Zoo habitat map |
Conservation and education impact
Fiona’s story has reached millions globally, increasing public understanding of hippo biology, neonatal challenges, and the importance of accredited zoos in species preservation. Her care journey informs husbandry guidelines and enriches community engagement, ensuring her role extends beyond being a popular animal to that of a conservation educator.
Common questions about Fiona’s age
- How is Fiona’s age calculated? Using her verified birth date of January 24, 2017, age is calculated from that point to the current date.
- Does Fiona have the same birthday every year? Yes; her birthday is January 24, observed annually with educational and enrichment events at the Zoo.
- Will Fiona move to another zoo? As of the latest public updates from the Cincinnati Zoo, she remains on exhibit and continues her ambassador role as part of their long-term plan.
Key takeaways
- Fiona is about 7 years old in 2024, born January 24, 2017.
- Her early neonatal care set standards for pre- and perinatal hippo management.
- She is a resident ambassador at the Cincinnati Zoo contributing to education and species awareness.
- Her care milestones are documented and used as a reference in zoo and aquarium practices.