You've come a long way,??? ????? ????? ???? ????? baby hippo.
We've been following Fiona, the Cincinnati Zoo's adorable and widely beloved hippopotamus (who was born premature but is now doing great), for years now. Well, she just turned 3 a few days ago, and of coursethis was cause for celebration.
There was cake, naturally. I'm not actually sure what is and isn't OK for hippos to eat, but Fiona's cake seems to include an assortment of fruits and veggies. Look at this thing, and the delighted hippo that's about to crush it all on her own.
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CARD ID: 480724
There was also song! Fiona's second birthday celebration included an attempted serenade from her social media-designated "love interest," Timothy. The San Antonio Zoo resident tried his absolute best to croon at Fiona, but his vocal chords couldn't cut it.
Timothy got serious for Fiona's third birthday, turning to a professional singer for help. Yep, that's country music star Aaron Watson sitting down with his guitar to say nice things about Fiona and sing her a little song.
CARD ID: 480723
In addition to the video, the San Antonio Zoo also shared a message "from" Timothy that Fiona will definitely have no problem reading.
Dear Fiona, IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY! I bet you know that because like THE WHOLE WORLD KNOWS! Anyhoo, my good buddy, country music star and “official Timothy wingman” Aaron Watson is helping me out with a special message for you on this special day. As you turn 3 I want to say that with each passing year you become more and more beautiful, charming and sweet! I mean, heck the moment I first laid eyes on you I already thought you were the most beautiful hippo I had ever seen and yet SOMEHOW, SOME WAY you just keep knocking me off my feet…and that ain’t easy…I HAVE FOUR and a low center of gravity! I hope you enjoy this message and the special gifts I’m sending you at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden today! I also had some of the zoo humans deliver all the “A Very Fiona Christmas” that people graciously sent me, to the children at Haven for Hope today as a special gift from me, you, and our fans on your special day! Sincerely, -Timothy P.S. Grandma says happy birthday “young lady!”
This whole thing is so silly and adorable, you've gotta love it. If you haven't had enough of achingly cute hippo joy, please take a moment to appreciate the Cincinnati Zoo's Fiona highlights video. How does anyone not love this hippo?
And some more Fiona content, compliments of the zoo....
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There's an extra twist to Fiona's 2020 birthday festivities, as well. The Cincinnati Zoo is encouraging Fiona's many fans and well-wishers to pick up a "Fiona & Friends" T-shirt, featuring art from the Cincinnati-based Loren Long. It's not a profit-motivated money grab, but rather an attempt to turn public appreciation for Fiona into something that might actually help the world.
As the T-shirt listing notes, "100% of net proceeds goes directly to the Zoos Victoria's Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund. All funds raised will be used for critical care and long-term recovery of Australian wildlife." You can find out more right here.
Happy birthday, Fiona!!