Nile hippopotamuses usually give birth in shallow riverbeds. But if baby Fiona had been born in the water, it would have been a death sentence. Fiona came into the world about six weeks premature. Her mother, Bibi, went into labor in the early hours of January 24 at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio.
Veterinarians and zoo staffers watched Bibi’s progress on a video monitor, careful to give the pregnant hippo her privacy. But soon after the birth, it was clear Fiona was struggling. The newborn couldn’t stand on her feet to nurse, and Bibi wasn’t sure what to do with her immobile preemie.
Within an hour, zoo staffers knew they had to intervene. Although most new hippo mothers are incredibly—and sometimes violently—protective, Bibi seemed to understand that her baby needed help. The zookeepers wrapped Fiona up and carried her off to examine her. That was the beginning of Fiona’s incredible journey.
Nile hippopotamuses usually give birth in shallow riverbeds. But being born in the water would have meant death for baby Fiona. Fiona was born about six weeks premature. Her mother, Bibi, went into labor in the early hours of January 24 at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio.
Veterinarians and zoo staffers watched Bibi's progress on a video monitor. They were careful to give the pregnant hippo her privacy. But soon after the birth, it was clear Fiona was struggling. The newborn couldn't stand on her feet. Bibi wasn't sure what to do with her squirming preemie.
Within an hour, zoo staffers knew they had to take charge. Most new hippo mothers are incredibly protective. They can also get violent if they feel threatened. But Bibi seemed to understand that her baby needed help. The zookeepers wrapped Fiona up and carried her off to examine her. That was the beginning of Fiona's incredible journey.