Hippo Introductions Happening Faster than Expected at the Cincinnati Zoo

Posted September 27, 2021

Bibi, Fiona, and Tucker hit it off in first introduction

CINCINNATI, OH (September 27, 2021) —The new hippo on the block at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 18-year-old male Tucker, made two new friends today! The other hippos, world-famous Fiona and her mom Bibi, got to share the same pool with him today, and all showed the behaviors that the care team wanted to see.

“We planned to just let Tucker explore the outdoor habitat today and were going to introduce him to Bibi tomorrow and Fiona on Wednesday,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s director of animal care Christina Gorsuch.  “But, Tucker seemed immediately at home in the outdoor pool and the girls were vocalizing from inside to express interest.  So, we followed their lead and put all three out together.”

The hippo team has been observing interactions all day and are pleased with how it’s going.  The habitat was closed to the public for the introductions, but it will reopen if things continue to go well.  That could be later today, tomorrow, or the next day.  Updates will be posted on CincinnatiZoo.org and on the Zoo’s social channels.

Tucker came to Cincinnati from San Francisco earlier this month and has been acclimating to his new environment since then.

“The Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Hippo Species Survival Plan (SSP) recommended that Tucker move to Cincinnati to be Bibi’s companion and to enjoy being part of a hippo pod. If a baby is in their future, it will be way down the road before that happens” said Gorsuch. “For now, all three hippos seem to have made a positive social connection.”

While not considered endangered, Nile hippos share ecosystems with many critically endangered species including elephants and rhinos. As an indicator species, the hippos’ plight can provide information about the challenges being faced by other species in their native lands. Addressing issues at the ecosystem level helps the other species living in the same regions.

Want to meet the hippos?

Only $5 to A.D.O.P.T Cincinnati Zoo’s Hippos and Get a Chance to Meet Them!!

I WANT TO MEET THE HIPPOS!

A.D.O.P.T. our hippos for an amazing chance to win the Ultimate Happy Happy Hippos Getaway including a 2-night hotel stay at the Zoo’s Official Hotel, the Graduate Cincinnati, a $50 gift card to Fiona’s bar & grill located in the Graduate Hotel, 5 tickets to the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo and a hippo behind the scenes tour (for 5 people) to meet all 3 of our hippos — Bibi, newcomer Tucker and of course Fiona!

A $5 hippo A.D.O.P.T. gets you one entry. A $20 hippo A.D.O.P.T.  gets you five entries. A.D.O.P.T. the hippos today through Sept. 30th to be entered to win.

Your adoption fee provides vital funds for the Zoo and makes you eligible to WIN the Happy Happy Hippos Ultimate Getaway!

Your  A.D.O.P.T. certificate includes a photo of our Nile hippos, Bibi, newcomer Tucker and of course Fiona. It will be delivered immediately upon checkout and is included with your email receipt.

The Happy Happy Hippos Ultimate Getaway Grand prize winner receives:

  • Two-night hotel stay at the Zoo’s Official Hotel – the Graduate Cincinnati
  • $50 gift card to Fiona’s Bar & Grill located in the Graduate Hotel
  • Five tickets to the world-famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
  • A Behind the Scenes tour to meet all 3 hippos!

4 other winners will receive a Limited Edition Fiona Kiss Print

This promotion ends Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11:59 PM and the winner will be contacted directly on Friday, October 1st. Personal information shared will be provided to the Graduate Hotel for additional promotional offers.

The behind the scenes tour must be completed by Oct. 31, 2022 and Hotel credit expires Oct. 31, 2022.

Questions? Please email [email protected].