Bibi the Hippo: A Cincinnati Zoo Icon
Bibi the hippo has been a beloved member of the Cincinnati Zoo family since 1999. This week, she made history by giving birth to her latest little one – her fifth!
The 23-year-old Nile hippo is no stranger to motherhood. She’s already mom to 5-year-old Fiona, who captured the hearts of people around the world when she was born in 2017. Bibi and Henry the hippo, who died in November 2017, are Fiona’s parents.
Fiona is the first Nile hippo to be born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 75 years and is also the first of her species to be scanned in utero with an MRI machine. The zoo staff were able to use this technology to monitor Fiona’s development and ensure that both mother and calf were healthy during pregnancy.
The zoo celebrated Bibi’s achievement with a special gift for their guests – a commemorative button featuring Bibi and her new baby! It serves as a reminder of how special this moment is for everyone involved.
Bibi has become an icon at the Cincinnati Zoo, and it’s clear why. Her patience and dedication as a mother are inspiring, and we wish her all the best with her new arrival!
