'Symbol of hope': Fiona, beloved hippo at Cincinnati Zoo, celebrates 5th birthday
Everyone's favorite hippo is officially 5 years old!
Cincinnati Zoo's darling hippopotamus Fiona, who has gone viral over the years, celebrated her 5th birthday on Monday.
Video above: Fiona over the years
"It’s hard to believe that it’s been five years since Fiona was born," said Cincinnati Zoo director and party host Thane Maynard. "She has touched so many people with her story of survival and has become a symbol of hope for millions of people around the world."
Once a preemie hippo who almost didn't make it, Fiona is thriving, her care team says.
"Fiona’s story tugs at the heartstrings,” said Maynard. “She was born premature and too small to stand to nurse from her mom. The zoo’s vets and hippo care team stepped in to try to nurse her to health. It was a tough journey. We almost lost her a couple of times, but she made it and eventually rejoined her mom and dad. This 5th birthday is extra special considering her rough start."
Video: Fiona enjoys birthday cake for 5th birthday
Senior keeper and one of Fiona's primary caretakers, Jenna Wingate, says Fiona is still inspiring people all over the world.
"We thought the popularity would die off but it hasn't, so it's been amazing. We’re all so proud of her and excited to continue watching her grow up," Wingate said.
Fiona's following has only grown over the years.
"People are still coming and crying when they see her and doing all sort of things for an opportunity to get a photo with her," Wingate said. "People tell us how she's changed their lives or helped them get through hard times, whether it's their own illness or their child in the NICU because Fiona was in her own little hippo NICU."
Video: Artist creates drawing for Fiona's 5th birthday from Timothy the hippo, Fiona's biggest admirer
Wingate said people can really relate to Fiona and her underdog story.
Born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo on Jan. 24, 2017, Fiona weighed only 29 pounds at birth — 25 pounds less than the lowest recorded birth weight for her species. She survived because of her animal care team's tireless efforts to save her and has inspired many to care about her species and wildlife.