The famous Fiona of the Cincinnati Zoo, celebrates her birthday on January 24.
#TeamFiona is more than a hashtag or obsession of a now 600-plus-pound hippopotamus for me. Growing up in Cincinnati, and now living relatively close to the city, we’ve made it a point to be members of the zoo for the last couple years. It’s a great day trip for the kids and we have the opportunity to stay for a long or short amount of time, depending on what our schedule is like.
When it was announced that a baby hippopotamus was on the way in January 2017, I was happy for the zoo like everyone else. How exciting that a baby hippo was expected in the spring, around the same time as my twins’ birthday!
Towards the end of that same month, the zoo announced that the baby hippo had been born, approximately six weeks early, and they didn’t know if she would make it. My heart sank. This was a feeling I knew too well.
After going through a scary pregnancy, my twins were born unexpectedly four weeks early. They both went immediately to the NICU and didn’t come home with me from the hospital right away. That is a feeling I wouldn’t wish on anyone – having your child/children in your body, being their sole provider, and then having to leave them while they get stronger. Thankfully, both of my girls came home from the hospital within two weeks and are relatively healthy to this day.
Seeing a 29-pound hippo, who definitely wasn’t supposed to be born yet, brought back memories of my tiny babies, with monitors attached to them in addition to feeding tubes and oxygen masks. It’s a scary sight. Here too was an innocent animal, with an oxygen mask and care with her 24/7. Just as my family and friends supported my husband and me during the girls’ time in the NICU, I felt the entire city of Cincinnati and beyond was supporting and rooting for this tiny hippo, named Fiona.
When it was announced that several businesses were selling merchandise to support the care of Fiona, I immediately bought #TeamFiona t-shirts for the girls and me. When they arrived in the mail, I explained to the girls why these shirts were so important. I have been candid with the girls telling them they were sick when they were born, but never had I tried to explain their premature birth in detail and how even animals can have similar scenarios. I could see their concern for this tiny hippo and now know that they have a similar connection to her.
The story of Fiona is something special I will get to share with my girls forever. And yes, I know the ear-wiggling mammal is just an animal at the end of the day, but Fiona’s story is one many parents know of and have experienced too well. Fiona is a great example of overcoming tough odds and being a fighter, something I know my girls are too.
Happy 1st Birthday, sweet Fiona!
Love this snippet about your girls and Fiona. I think moms out there can completely relate to prematurity and the long lasting impression it leaves on your life. My favorite part was how you can teach the girls about their first experiences in this world in a relatable manner that makes sense to them.
Thank you! It’s amazing what can be a blessing in disguise!
This is so sweet! I will admit, I didn’t know much about Fiona the hippo until reading this post. Thanks for sharing.
Fiona has grown to be such a little celebrity that I think people sometimes forget what made her so special to begin with! Thanks for reading!
That is such a sweet connection that I had never considered before. Great insight! <3
Thank you! Fiona is a great reminder of how even the small can get big and strong!
Comments are closed.