CINCINNATI, Ohio– When Fiona, the world-famous hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo, pops her head out of the cave and peers into her enclosure — she finds a surprise.
It’s her third birthday, and the Cincinnati Zoo brought her a special cake. Initially, she’s more interested in the lettuce bed beneath. But eventually, she finds her way to the good stuff.
- Fiona celebrated her third birthday, a milestone for the prematurely born hippopotamus
- Cincy Shirts has raised more than $100,000 to be donated to Australia's Zoos Victoria
- All of the net proceeds funds are going to be used for critical care and long-term recovery of Australian wildlife
Fiona’s birthday not only signifies a milestone in her life — it serves as a way for the Cincinnati community to give back.
“It’s incredible to see how Fiona’s impact continues to reach far and wide,” Wendy Rice, Head Keeper of the Africa Department, said. “She’s still inspiring people to be involved in conservation and pay attention to what’s happening in the natural world.”
The Zoo, along with several other businesses are using Fiona’s adorable likeness, to raise funds for Australian Brushfire Relief.
Cincy Shirts (link website here: cincyshirts.com) created a unique Fiona and Friends shirt that’s raising Hippopotamus sized funds.
“This is taking it to a level we weren’t sure was possible,” Josh Sneed, Co-Owner of Cincy Shirts, said. “We’re shipping orders all over the world, running two shifts day and night to try to keep up with everything. It’s been absolutely crazy.”
The shirts are designed by Cincinnati Artist Loren Long.
Cincy Shirts says 100% of the proceeds are going directly to the Zoos Victoria Brushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund, where all of the funds will be used for critical care and long-term recovery of Australian Wildlife.
Each shirt costs $25, and as of Thursday, they’ve already raised more than $100,000.
“To hear that it’s already at a hundred thousand dollars is a little mind-boggling for us,” Rice said. “But we’re super proud of her that we’re able to use her celebrity status to make good things happen all around the world.”
Fiona’s birthday is a city-wide celebration in Cincinnati. And not only is Fiona raising money for Australia — but for other animals at the Cincinnati Zoo, too.
Listermann Brewery is in their third year of making their special Team Fiona beer — a New England IPA. General Manager Jason Brewer says 15 percent of the proceeds are going back to the Cincinnati Zoo.
“Fiona’s happy and healthy now, so they use that to help with some of their other animals,” Listermann GM Jason Brewer said. “They do great work over there, so we’re happy to help.”
Back at the Zoo, Fiona and her mom Bibi split what’s left of the cake before going for a swim.
The staff at the Zoo just happy to see so many people still so infatuated with their star Hippo and her ability to make an impact across the globe.
“As we can see, she is here, and not only is she doing well, but she’s thriving,” Rice said. “She seems happy here with her life at the Cincinnati Zoo. And she continues to dazzle and amaze people all over the world and has her incredible fanbase that we so love and so appreciate.”
If you’re interested in buying the limited time Fiona and Friends shirt, it’s available now until February 1st at this website: cincyshirts.com. One hundred percent of the net proceeds are going to help Australia’s Zoos Victoria’ bushfire emergency wildlife fund.