The CUTEST birthday party of the year features Fiona the Hippo

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The Cincinnati Zoo has unveiled how it will celebrate a big birthday for its famous hippo, Fiona, who turns 1 on Jan. 24.

The zoo isn’t waiting until then to start the celebration, as the public can attend a huge event from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Jan. 20).

MORE: PHOTOS: Fiona at the Cincinnati Zoo

From authors who have penned books on Fiona to caretakers who have watched over the hippo that captivated the nation with her struggle to survive being born premature, Saturday’s calendar of events has a wide range of activities scheduled for the public.

MORE: Cincinnati Zoo’s baby hippo Fiona reaches another milestone on her journey to meet her parents

No birthday party would be complete without cake and ice cream, so Graeter’s and Busken will be on hand to supply the treats for those in attendance.

MORE: Kroger to celebrate Fiona the Hippo’s first birthday with special items

Fiona’s first year has been well documented on social media and has resulted in the hippo having a flavor of ice cream named after her and greeting cards, along with other items that feature the hippo’s name and or likeness on them.

MORE: Here’s how you can give the gift of Fiona for the holidays

The zoo says Fiona is now healthy and weighs more than 600 pounds. She has spent most of the winter inside since hippos do not do well in cold weather.

MORE: Fiona the hippo celebrates Christmas to the perfect song for her


HOW TO GO

What: Birthday Activities scheduled for Fiona the hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo.

When: Saturday, Jan. 20.

Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Cost: The event is free with zoo admission.

Events and specials planned:

First 2,000 families will get a hippo bath mat (while supplies last)

Birthday enrichment throughout the Zoo

Get a commemorative Fiona postcard stamped with her footprint (while supplies last)

Sign Fiona’s birthday card from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hippo Cove

Busken cake and cookies from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (while supplies last)

Graeter’s ice cream from from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. (while supplies last)

Hippo care team members will be available for chats and Q&A from 1 p.m – 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m– 2:30 p.m.

Hippo-themed activities in Education Center from noon – 3 p.m.

Cincy Shirts will be passing out Fiona temporary tattoos from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Specialists from Children’s Hospital who helped save Fiona will be here from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Scientists from CREW will have an interactive station to show how they performed an ultrasound on Bibi from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Authors of Fiona books will be available to sign books from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Zoo’s Gift Shop (bring your book or buy them at the Zoo)

Source: Cincinnati Zoo.