CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's staff have finally been able to determine the gender of Bibi the hippo's new baby — it's a boy.

The baby hippo was born late on Aug. 3 after the staff entered "Hippo Watch" once Bibi began to show signs of labor.


What You Need To Know

  • The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden's staff welcomed a new baby hippo last week

  • Bibi, the mother, and the calf have been unseperable which led to the delay in the gender reveal

  • The zoo is currently accepting name suggestions for the hippo calf

 “We’re just happy that the calf is healthy. The sex didn’t matter much to the hippo team, but it will be interesting to observe and compare the behavioral differences between a hand-raised girl and a mom-raised boy,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s director of animal care, Christina Gorsuch. “Will this calf be as comfortable with humans as Fiona is?  Will he be less independent? Will he love cameras?” 

His older sister Fiona became an internet sensation when she was born too early and had to be raised by staff. The now 5-year-old star and dad Tucker are still out in the enclosure for visitors to see while Bibi and the unnamed baby remain inside bonding.

“Bibi and the baby are doing great together," said Gorsuch. “They will continue to bond inside for another week or two.”

The baby hippo is still unnamed and the zoo is accepting suggestions here.