BABY. (January 25) On January 24, the premature baby hippo is born, six weeks before her due date. She remained stable overnight. Zoo veterinarians are adding her seventeen-year-old mom, Bibi’s, milk to a fluid mixture that is fed through a tube to the baby, who is still too weak to stand.

SWIM. (January 26) The baby hippo receives 24-hour attention, including tube-feedings, veterinarian checks, and keeping her warm and moist. She received her first pool experience. Spending time in the pool will help her build muscles and improve her balance as well as maintain an optimal body temperature of 96-98 degrees.

GROWING UP. (January 29) The baby hippo’s care team has been helping her balance in the pool with noodles. She was able to stand without the noodles, holding her own weight and dipping her face under the water to blow a few bubbles. She still struggles with bottle feeding.

GET BETTER. (January 30) In the morning, the zoo veterinarians found that the baby hippo had low glucose levels and off pH levels. They inserted an IV for fluids, dextrose, and supportive supplements to raise these numbers to a more healthy range. She did not gain any weight since the day before, not unusual for premature babies; the care team is adjusting her formula to help with digestion and regulating her metabolism.

“FAIREST IN THE LAND.” (January 31) The Cincinnati Zoo named the week-old hippo Fiona, which means “fair.” “She still has a long way to go before she’ll be strong enough to be reunited with her mom [and her dad Henry]. She needs to learn how to nurse on her own, walk, swim, and get a lot bigger,” said Christina Gorsuch, curator of mammals at the Cincinnati Zoo, on the zoo’s blog.

SUPER-BABY. (February 4) Baby Fiona has gained more energy. Her care team places her “chest to chest” so she can feel normal breathing in order to regulate her oxygen intake, according to the zoo blog. This is especially necessary as her premature lungs absorb carbon dioxide whenever she holds her breath, causing a dip in her oxygen levels.

FIRST STEPS. (February 5) Fiona has improved so much. During the night, she consumed some formula on her own. She has also taken her first steps.