The Cincinnati Zoo has a new baby hippo and fans now have the chance to help name the cutest addition to the zoo's family.
Of course, as the baby is famous Fiona’s little brother (he even has her signature ear wiggles), the name has to start with an F.
The two options to choose from are Fritz and Ferguson, and we’re already thinking of good nicknames, like “Fritzy” or “Fergie," perhaps? There are just so many possibilities.
The zoo says they received over 90,000 suggestions coming from every U.S. state and over 60 different countries.
Bibi’s newest baby will be officially named on Aug. 15. Vote now for your favorite option.
Bibi, who gave birth to Fiona prematurely in 2017 at just 29 pounds, became pregnant unexpectedly (she was on birth control), after the introduction of male hippo Tucker into her habitat last year.
It was announced that Bibi was pregnant in April of this year. Her due date was Aug. 15 and keepers say she gave birth within a healthy 30-day window of the date on Aug. 3.
On Aug. 8, the zoo announced the calf's gender after finally being able to get a good enough view to determine it.
According to officials, hippos in the wild will isolate themselves from the others leading up to their baby's birth and after. Bibi will be kept from the others for at least two weeks and even up to a few months. The keepers say they will follow her lead on reintroduction; signs that she’s ready will include sleeping near Fiona and Tucker within her separated pin area.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is located at 3400 Vine St., Avondale. Tickets and more info: cincinnatizoo.org.
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