Fiona the hippopotamus, born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden in 2017, captured the hearts of millions around the world with her story of survival and resilience. Today, she has become an ambassador for her species, as well as a beloved member of the zoo family. With her growing popularity, many people are curious about her current weight and overall health. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to Fiona’s weight, growth, and health status.
How much does a hippo weigh at birth
When it comes to the birth of a baby hippopotamus, one may wonder just how much they weigh. Typically, a baby hippo weighs between 55 and 110 pounds (25 to 50 kilograms) at birth. However, it is important to note that the specific weight can vary depending on the individual hippo and environmental factors. This range gives us an idea of what to expect when a new little hippo enters the world.
Hippo calves are relatively large compared to many other animal species, and they grow rapidly in the first few months of life. They gain weight quickly through their mother’s milk, which is rich in fat and nutrients. As they continue to grow, adult hippos can reach weights of up to 3,000 pounds (1,360 kilograms) or more.
How much does fiona the hippo weigh now ?
Fiona was born six weeks prematurely on January 24, 2017, and weighed only 29 pounds, significantly less than the average birth weight of a hippopotamus, which is around 55-120 pounds. She was immediately placed in the zoo’s intensive care unit, where she received round-the-clock care from veterinarians and zoo staff. Over the next several months, Fiona battled various health challenges, including pneumonia and endothelial dysplasia, a condition that affects the lining of her blood vessels. Despite the odds against her, Fiona continued to fight and thrive, and eventually surpassed all expectations.
SEE: Fritz the Hippo Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Fiona’s Growth and Weight
Since her birth, Fiona has steadily gained weight and grown in size. At three months old, she weighed over 100 pounds. By her first birthday, she weighed in at over 400 pounds, and by her second birthday, she weighed over 700 pounds. Today, Fiona is approximately four years old and weighs approximately 1,000 pounds. This is still significantly less than the average weight of a fully grown adult hippopotamus, which is around 3,000-5,000 pounds, but Fiona’s caretakers are confident that she will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
Fiona’s health is closely monitored by the Cincinnati Zoo’s veterinary team. She receives regular check-ups, including blood work and x-rays, to ensure that she is in good health. Fiona has had some ongoing health challenges, including an ongoing battle with a secondary infection, but her caretakers report that she is doing well and that she is an active and playful member of the zoo’s hippopotamus exhibit.
Fiona the hippopotamus has captured the hearts of people around the world with her story of survival and resilience. Despite her premature birth and various health challenges, she has continued to grow and thrive. Today, Fiona is a healthy and active member of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden family, weighing in at approximately 1,000 pounds. We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive guide to Fiona’s weight, growth, and health status.
Fan react to how much does Fiona the hippo weigh ?
Denise Purdy Schnitzer
Fiona is so adorable it’s hard imagine her ever being the most dangerous animal in Africa. Since she has been raised so far with so much human contact I wonder if she will accepting of her caretakers and any other human that may come in contact with her
Kimmerly DeKay Moore
You gals and guys at the Cincinnati Zoo are taking such great care of Fiona and she looks like she is the happiest Hippo around!! Thank you for all the updates, videos, photos, and posts about her! You have made us feel like we have been part of her “raising up”!
Jenny Young Ramsey
Our little Fiona is starting to look like a normal chunk-a-lunk baby hippo that is called a calf. Normal weight for a hippo calf at birth is 100 pounds. This little lady only weighed 29. Amazing care she has been given.
