Halloween celebrations arrived early at the Cincinnati Zoo, highlighted by its most famous resident. To recognize National Pumpkin Day on October 26, the zoo posted a video showing Fiona the hippo and her family happily wading through the water, eagerly waiting for their seasonal treats. Visitors watched as the hippos crunched through whole pumpkins, making them disappear quickly. The zoo mentioned on Instagram that Bibi, Fiona, Tucker, and Fritz enjoyed one of their favorite snacks for the occasion. They encouraged fans to increase the volume to hear the satisfying sounds of “serious pumpkin crunching,” noting that Tucker especially loves pumpkins.
These pumpkin feasts have become a beloved tradition at the zoo, with hippo fans eagerly anticipating them every year. Watching these large animals enjoy their snacks brings joy to many. Pumpkins not only serve as a delicious treat but also provide enrichment, keeping the hippos engaged and active. For the millions who have followed Fiona since her early days, this video serves as a celebratory reminder of her journey.
Hippos are known for having some of the strongest bites among land mammals, with a bite force estimated at around 1,800 pounds per square inch. They can open their mouths as wide as four feet, yet they are herbivores. In their natural habitat, hippos leave the water at night to graze on short grasses, consuming up to 150 pounds of food in one night. Their impressive tusks are mainly used for defense and display rather than for eating. At the Cincinnati Zoo, the hippos receive a diverse plant-based diet, including hay and fresh produce for nutrients and variety. Each hippo has its personal favorites: Bibi and Fiona enjoy lettuce and melons, Tucker loves squash, and Fritz avoids tomatoes and citrus.
Fiona’s remarkable size and strength are a far cry from her beginnings. She was born six weeks premature on January 24, 2017, weighing only 29 pounds. Typically, hippo calves are born weighing between 50 to 110 pounds. Fiona made history as the first Nile hippo ever captured via ultrasound while in the womb, but her early life was challenging. Hippo calves usually nurse underwater while closing their ears and nostrils to breathe.
What do you think about Fiona’s incredible journey?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Eglė Tenikytė