Let me tell you about Fiona, the hippo who reigns supreme over Cincinnati Zoo. She’s not just any other mammal; she’s practically a superstar who’s captured the world’s heart with her tenacity and charm. Born six weeks early in January 2017 and weighing in at just 29 pounds, Fiona wasn’t exactly off to an easy start. Despite the hurdles, she’s tackled everything from learning to swim to making friends, and trust me, she’s aced them all!
Now, you might be thinking, what do hippos eat? Well, Fiona’s mealtime habits are a spectacle in themselves. Picture this: a semi-aquatic beast that chooses to stand upright while chomping down on her dinner instead of staying submerged in her cozy, aquatic abode. Quite a sight, isn’t it?
But it gets better. You can see Fiona’s absolute joy for food when she hoists herself onto her back legs, right there in the indoor pool of the zoo, just to get a better angle on her favorite treats. It’s a sight that never fails to bring a smile to visitors’ faces.
Why does Fiona prefer her snacks served up on dry land? Well, it’s simple. When she’s munching on her munchies with her head above water, breathing is a breeze. It’s a bit of a quirk, sure, but it’s one of the many things that make Fiona the delight she is.
Fiona isn’t just any old meat lover either. Nope, she’s a die-hard fan of fruits and veggies – just like any self-respecting herbivore. With a whopping 76 pounds of fresh produce (think lettuce, kale, and carrots) making up her daily meals, she’s got her work cut out for her. But don’t worry, she’s up to the task. After all, a hefty hippo like Fiona needs to eat a lot – around 150 pounds a day, in fact!
The team at Cincinnati Zoo leaves nothing to chance when it comes to Fiona’s diet. Every green, every grain, and every hay bale is carefully balanced to keep Fiona in her tip-top shape. It’s just another reason why she’s become such a beloved figure worldwide.
From her iconic standing poses while munching lettuce leaves to her extraordinary tale of resilience since her premature birth, Fiona is a testament to how love and dedicated animal care can lead to phenomenal success stories. And let me tell you, we could all stand to learn a little something from her!
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Summary of Description:
Hippo Fiona enjoys eating standing up with her head above water, and lettuce is one of her favorite foods. Information about the Cincinnati Zoo can be found on their website and social media pages.
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Source Description
Hippo Fiona loves to stand while eating, keeping her head above water. Lettuce is one of her favorite foods!
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