Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Cincinnati Zoo Hippos

[Zoofan15]

Fiona and Fritz interact through the bars:

Cincinnati Zoo's hippo siblings Fiona, Fritz get to know each other

The link above shows Fiona meeting Fritz through the dividing bars of the indoor area. Interactions are positive, with no overt aggression from Bibi.

Many zoos keep their newborn hippopotami (and their mother) seperate from the herd for several months, so it’ll be interesting to see how long Cincinnati leave it before introducing Fiona.

 

[IndianRhino]

Fiona and Fritz interact through the bars:

Cincinnati Zoo's hippo siblings Fiona, Fritz get to know each other

The link above shows Fiona meeting Fritz through the dividing bars of the indoor area. Interactions are positive, with no overt aggression from Bibi.

Many zoos keep their newborn hippopotami (and their mother) seperate from the herd for several months, so it’ll be interesting to see how long Cincinnati leave it before introducing Fiona.

Fiona has officially been fully introduced to Fritz! That was a very fast introduction but things seem to going well.

Cincinnati Zoo on Instagram: "Fritz got to meet his big sister in the outdoor habitat for the first time earlier today! Fiona was curious but took her cues from her mom, Bibi, and backed off when Fritz got almost close enough for a nose boop. The trio will continue to be put together for short periods until the care team is confident that the three are comfortable together. The next step will then be to add Tucker to the mix. We don’t have an exact timeline for when that will happen. Hippo Cove will be closed on and off as these introductions take place."

 

[Jambo]

Fiona has officially been fully introduced to Fritz! That was a very fast introduction but things seem to going well.

Cincinnati Zoo on Instagram: "Fritz got to meet his big sister in the outdoor habitat for the first time earlier today! Fiona was curious but took her cues from her mom, Bibi, and backed off when Fritz got almost close enough for a nose boop. The trio will continue to be put together for short periods until the care team is confident that the three are comfortable together. The next step will then be to add Tucker to the mix. We don’t have an exact timeline for when that will happen. Hippo Cove will be closed on and off as these introductions take place."

That's interesting, although quicker than expected. As Cincinnati only have one habitat, I think this was always going to be the case, so I think it's likely Tucker will also be introduced sooner rather than later, although they'll still have to be cautious as unlike young, smaller, Fiona, he is a fully grown bull.

 

[IndianRhino]

That's interesting, although quicker than expected. As Cincinnati only have one habitat, I think this was always going to be the case, so I think it's likely Tucker will also be introduced sooner rather than later, although they'll still have to be cautious as unlike young, smaller, Fiona, he is a fully grown bull.

I believe they do plan on introducing Tucker in the pretty near future. I listened to the podcast the zoo posted a bit ago and it was mentioned that they would try to get Tucker introduced to Fritz within the next few weeks. But I agree, they’ll definitely have to be much more careful with Tucker since he’s an adult bull.

 

[Jambo]

I believe they do plan on introducing Tucker in the pretty near future. I listened to the podcast the zoo posted a bit ago and it was mentioned that they would try to get Tucker introduced to Fritz within the next few weeks. But I agree, they’ll definitely have to be much more careful with Tucker since he’s an adult bull.

The next few weeks sound about right. He won't be a newborn, but the risk will still be there. Bulls have been known to kill calves, even their own, no matter the age. There was a case at Werribee Open Range Zoo where a bull (and another cow) killed a 15 month old calf. So, there's still a high level of caution for Cincinnati to be aware of; but i'm sure all the right steps will be taken, and Tucker will only be introduced once the keepers are 100% confident Fritz will be fine.

 

[Zoofan15]

Fiona has officially been fully introduced to Fritz! That was a very fast introduction but things seem to going well.

Cincinnati Zoo on Instagram: "Fritz got to meet his big sister in the outdoor habitat for the first time earlier today! Fiona was curious but took her cues from her mom, Bibi, and backed off when Fritz got almost close enough for a nose boop. The trio will continue to be put together for short periods until the care team is confident that the three are comfortable together. The next step will then be to add Tucker to the mix. We don’t have an exact timeline for when that will happen. Hippo Cove will be closed on and off as these introductions take place."

I'm surprised the introductions are progressing so quickly, but the fact Bibi is so protective and has a dominant personality will stand the calf in good stead. Even Tucker shows submission in her presence and the keepers clearly have confidence she will provide the protection Fritz needs.

It will be hugely beneficial to form an integrated pod, allowing all hippos more outdoor time.

 

[Jacob F]

I didn't know that male hippos can kill calves. Thank you for telling me this.

 

[Jambo]

I didn't know that male hippos can kill calves. Thank you for telling me this.

They can. Even calves of their own. Most of the time, they're just big, and often just clumsy and can crush young calves. In rare cases, they can be aggressive; but this is usually to other calves, sired by other bulls.

 

[Zoofan15]

I didn't know that male hippos can kill calves. Thank you for telling me this.

They can. Even calves of their own. Most of the time, they're just big, and often just clumsy and can crush young calves. In rare cases, they can be aggressive; but this is usually to other calves, sired by other bulls.

Just a note that bulls of this species don’t discriminate between their calves and that of other bulls when it comes to newborn calves. They have no concept of paternal care and are a considerable risk to their newborn offspring - as is any female (both related or unrelated).

The risk deceases drastically as the calf grows. For one the calf is more robust, not to mention more aware. The mother and calf have assimilated back into the herd and tensions have decreased.

A major factor in ensuring the calf’s protection is the actions of the mother. Some cows are large, dominant and highly protective. They send a clear message to the herd mates to keep their distance. We’ve already seen Bibi do this with Fiona this week; and I’m confident Tucker will similarly know his place. Bibi is an excellent mother.

 

[Great Argus]

New video from Cincinnati showing Fiona/Fritz "introduction." There appears to be quite a bit of tension between Bibi and Fiona, the latter not seen to enter the pool or even get anywhere near Bibi and Fritz. I know relatively little in terms of Hippo behavior but I think Cincy is really playing it dicey here from what I'm seeing. If Bibi is eliciting this much respect from Fiona I highly doubt trying to introduce Tucker too is a good idea. Too many things that could go wrong here... Bibi is known to be aggressive, they really want to try and cramp her with two other hippos while she's got a young calf?

 

[Jambo]

New video from Cincinnati showing Fiona/Fritz "introduction." There appears to be quite a bit of tension between Bibi and Fiona, the latter not seen to enter the pool or even get anywhere near Bibi and Fritz. I know relatively little in terms of Hippo behavior but I think Cincy is really playing it dicey here from what I'm seeing. If Bibi is eliciting this much respect from Fiona I highly doubt trying to introduce Tucker too is a good idea. Too many things that could go wrong here... Bibi is known to be aggressive, they really want to try and cramp her with two other hippos while she's got a young calf?

Yes, Fiona seems to be restricted to the land area, and only the shallow part of the pool.

At one point, Fiona throws her head up which yes, is a sign of stress. Having her in a situation like that is probably not best for her, but hey, Cincinnati know their hippos best so if they're okay with it, then it should be fine.

Watching Bibi throughout the video too, she always seems to be aware of where Fiona is. Fiona, being a young female, is a potential danger to the calf, so Bibi has every right to be wary. Hopefully, over time, Bibi will allow the calf and Fiona to become closer. But I doubt they'd add Tucker into the mix until Fiona is at least allowed access into the pool.

 

[Zoofan15]

New video from Cincinnati showing Fiona/Fritz "introduction." There appears to be quite a bit of tension between Bibi and Fiona, the latter not seen to enter the pool or even get anywhere near Bibi and Fritz. I know relatively little in terms of Hippo behavior but I think Cincy is really playing it dicey here from what I'm seeing. If Bibi is eliciting this much respect from Fiona I highly doubt trying to introduce Tucker too is a good idea. Too many things that could go wrong here... Bibi is known to be aggressive, they really want to try and cramp her with two other hippos while she's got a young calf?

I’d actually say progress has regressed given at the start of the introductions, Fiona was showing curiosity towards the calf versus now where she won’t even enter the water area.

In the wild, females spend weeks even months in isolation with their new calf before rejoining their pod. The Australian zoos mimic this by isolating females and newborns for up to six months before reintroductions are attempted. Not only is it safer for the calf, but the mother is more relaxed (less aggressive) as she’s not put in an unnatural social setting, along with her newborn.

Given this exhibit isn’t huge, I definitely wouldn’t be rushing the introductions. The addition of the bull will heighten stress levels further.

 

[Great Argus]

Yes, Fiona seems to be restricted to the land area, and only the shallow part of the pool.

I already stated this and anyone who watches the video can clearly see this.

Cincinnati know their hippos best so if they're okay with it, then it should be fine.

Frankly I do not trust Cincinnati to do what's best in terms of their hippos at this point. What they are trying to do is dreadfully risky, especially given the exhibit is not big enough for the number of hippos it currently holds. I suspect the keepers are not having the say they should here. The hippos are Cincy's cash cows and they're apparently trying to get the "family grouping" visible for additional publicity when in fact it's currently one of the worst and riskiest things they could be doing.

Fiona, being a young female, is a potential danger to the calf, so Bibi has every right to be wary.

Right, this has been stated how many times now on this thread?

 

[Jambo]

I already stated this and anyone who watches the video can clearly see this.

It's rather surprising to me that Cincinnati would release that footage as most people, even someone who dosen't know a lot about animals, would be able to identify the situation Fiona's in. Obviously, it's all for the publicity; getting Fiona in the mix will draw much much more attention to young Fritz.

Frankly I do not trust Cincinnati to do what's best in terms of their hippos at this point. What they are trying to do is dreadfully risky, especially given the exhibit is not big enough for the number of hippos it currently holds. I suspect the keepers are not having the say they should here. The hippos are Cincy's cash cows and they're apparently trying to get the "family grouping" visible for additional publicity when in fact it's currently one of the worst and riskiest things they could be doing.

I totally agree here.

Unfortunately, Cincinnati will never send Fiona elsewhere. The fact that Fiona isn't able to breed (as of yet) leaves them in an interesting predicament. They can either retain Fiona (and Bibi) as a non breeding duo. Or, if they want to breed; they'd have to send Fiona away, and of course breed from Tucker and Bibi. It seems, they're trying to do two at once, which is quite perilous. Imo, if they really want Fiona to stay, giving up breeding is the best way to go. It dosen't seem like they'll be expanding their current enclosure anytime soon too.

 

[IndianRhino]

It's rather surprising to me that Cincinnati would release that footage as most people, even someone who dosen't know a lot about animals, would be able to identify the situation Fiona's in. Obviously, it's all for the publicity; getting Fiona in the mix will draw much much more attention to young Fritz.



I totally agree here.

Unfortunately, Cincinnati will never send Fiona elsewhere. The fact that Fiona isn't able to breed (as of yet) leaves them in an interesting predicament. They can either retain Fiona (and Bibi) as a non breeding duo. Or, if they want to breed; they'd have to send Fiona away, and of course breed from Tucker and Bibi. It seems, they're trying to do two at once, which is quite perilous. Imo, if they really want Fiona to stay, giving up breeding is the best way to go. It dosen't seem like they'll be expanding their current enclosure anytime soon too.

Again, most of what you’ve posted here has been discussed extensively since Cincy first announced Bibi’s pregnancy. Perhaps we should think more about if what we’re posting adds value to the forum or if we’re just discussing the same thing over and over again. We really don’t need any more speculation on what’s going on with Cincy’s hippos because there are tons of possibilities and we could just go on speculating forever.

 

[Jambo]

Again, most of what you’ve posted here has been discussed extensively since Cincy first announced Bibi’s pregnancy. Perhaps we should think more about if what we’re posting adds value to the forum or if we’re just discussing the same thing over and over again. We really don’t need any more speculation on what’s going on with Cincy’s hippos because there are tons of possibilities and we could just go on speculating forever.

Yes, we have discussed this before, but I guess that update before initiated these thoughts/concerns once again. It's obviously going to be inevitable every time an update like this comes from Cincy's hippos. My comments have been in response to that update; and I've just been voicing my thoughts on the whole situation. I'm sorry if it's coming off repetitive, but I feel that discussion is incredibly relevant to the forum, and is not pure speculation.

 

[Jambo]

An update on Bibi, Fritz and Fiona:

Fiona was in the pool today; albeit when Bibi and Fritz were resting in the shallows. It still appears like she's still keeping her distance, but it's good to see an improvement from the last video, with Bibi now allowing Fiona into the water.

 

[RhinoHippoElephantGiraffe]

About how old will Fritz be when he leaves Cincinnati? Most captive-born male River Hippos usually left their birthplace for another facility at under a year old until around 2000, but I have noticed it is rare for that to happen nowadays.

 

[Zoofan15]

About how old will Fritz be when he leaves Cincinnati? Most captive-born male River Hippos usually left their birthplace for another facility at under a year old until around 2000, but I have noticed it is rare for that to happen nowadays.

Common hippopotamus calves are usually fully weaned around 12-15 months. Bulls can impregnate cows as young as two to three years old, but assuming th females are on contraception, he could remain in the pod until the age of five, when he'd begin to clash with Tucker.

Given the lack of space, I'd see no harm in transferring him out around three years of age.

 

[RhinoHippoElephantGiraffe]

Bulls can impregnate cows as young as two to three years old, but assuming th females are on contraception, he could remain in the pod until the age of five, when he'd begin to clash with Tucker.

Given the lack of space, I'd see no harm in transferring him out around three years of age.

I agree with you on the estimated age for departure. I hope that they can get a bigger exhibit soon, since within three years, Bibi and Fiona could both have calves, meaning that they would have six hippos in a crowded exhibit.