Only click this post if you want to wish Fiona the hippo a happy birthday

bez-imeni-1

The only holiday that matters is Fiona the Hippo’s first birthday.

Here she is enjoying a hippo-safe birthday cake. YUM.

If you have a pulse, you know that Fiona was the best part of 2017, hands down. Or is that hooves down? We’re talking about hippos, after all. And I know that she has nothing but BIG plans for 2018.

1
We almost didn’t make it this far. Fiona was born prematurely, and for a while it looked like she might not survive.

But Fiona is a frickin’ SURVIVOR, and she persevered through her health struggles with the help of the staff at the Cincinnati Zoo like the true champion that she is.

And since then, we’ve watched her grow up and cheered her on every step and shimmy along the way.


Whether she was every person who’s been single while they see all their friends get engaged…

…making inter-species friends…

…hanging with her hippo family…

Family reunion! We've never been more excited about a post! BiFi (the power duo name that’s being used for Bibi and Fiona) was joined by Henry this morning for the first time. The three were introduced in Hippo Cove’s outdoor pool before the Zoo opened, supervised by their care team. The short introduction went well. Bibi intervened when Henry got too close to Fiona, which was exactly what we were hoping to see. Introductions will continue. There is still no set schedule for when Fiona will be out. When she is out, she has access to go inside, so visitors may or may not see her. Please be understanding if you visit the Zoo and Hippo Cove is closed off as the family needs time to get used to each other in the outdoor pool. #cincinnati #cincinnatizoo #closeenoughtocare #teamfiona #hippo #fionafix

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on

…striking a pose…

…becoming an accomplished artist…

…or even just FARTING, Fiona has touched the hearts of countless adoring fans.

I’ve written about Fiona a lot, and given several interviews about her. The thing is, words don’t do her justice. She’s a ball of energy and cute as hell. She’s a survivor and she’s a social media sensation. But most of all, she’s a force of relentless positivity when we really need it most. She’s the sassy and gassy queen we need in these trying times — an unproblematic and unbothered ICON (and I know I use that word a lot, but I really mean it here).

And I just want to say, Fiona is as magical in person as she is online.

I made the trip to the Cincinnati Zoo with my mom and sister in October. The saying goes, «Never meet your idols,» but I’d beg to differ. Fiona is truly a ball of sunshine and flying across the country to Ohio was the best last-minute decision I’ve ever made. If you get the chance to visit this aquatic queen IRL, don’t hesitate. DO IT!

Here’s to another amazing hippo-filled year!


Happy Birthday, Fiona!

Source


1