Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden Cincinnati Zoo Hippos

[ZooElephantMan]

The more I read about this situation, the more despairing it seems. I wonder if there is anything that can be done to convince Cincy to manage their hippos differently. I guess the aza doesn’t really have that much power to get them to change course.

And even if the zoo agreed to do something drastic like ship Tucker out, I wonder how long it would be before he actually moved. There’s probably a lot of logistics and crate-training that’d have to be done before moving can take place.

 

[Zoofan15]

The more I read about this situation, the more despairing it seems. I wonder if there is anything that can be done to convince Cincy to manage their hippos differently. I guess the aza doesn’t really have that much power to get them to change course.

And even if the zoo agreed to do something drastic like ship Tucker out, I wonder how long it would be before he actually moved. There’s probably a lot of logistics and crate-training that’d have to be done before moving can take place.

Unfortunately there isn't. It's the keepers I feel sorry for. They know this species and the individuals inside out and will be aware this isn't working.

People on here have reported the decisions regarding integration have been made at a management level; which if so, must be even more frustrateding for the keepers than it is for us.

 

[Jambo]

Another point to consider is that the relationship between Tucker and Fiona may have broken down.

Despite her age, Fiona is at the development level of a two year old (half grown) cow and from videos, it was very clear the attitude she was giving Tucker was under the confidence of Bibi's protection. That's now removed and Tucker will be less tolerant of her.

If this is the case, management of the hippopotami across three groups is the solution, but one that's unfeasible given the capacity of the zoo's facilities.

Apparently Fiona and Tucker grew closer in the period they were separated from Bibi and Fritz, so I don't think that was behind the reason for Fiona's separation from him.

There were plans for Tucker to be introduced in the coming weeks, but i'm not sure this is the best course, especially considering what we've seen thus far with Fiona.

 

[Zoofan15]

Apparently Fiona and Tucker grew closer in the period they were separated from Bibi and Fritz, so I don't think that was behind the reason for Fiona's separation from him.

There were plans for Tucker to be introduced in the coming weeks, but i'm not sure this is the best course, especially considering what we've seen thus far with Fiona.

Even assuming that wasn’t anthropomorphism (e.g. Fiona loves her new step dad), that could have simply been Fiona (recently separated from Bibi) still benefiting from the protection her mother gave her during the trio’s time together. Tucker learnt to respect her and out of habit maintained that wariness for a few weeks until it was clear Bibi was no longer present and he need not tread cautiously around a young female a fraction of his size.

Having all four hippopotami together is clearly the goal, but will only compound the issue of Bibi reacting aggressively in response to perceived threats to Fritz. It’ll take the heat of Fiona once Bibi has two targets to charge, but increase the chance Fritz will get caught in the cross fire.

 

[Persephone]

I guess uh. It feels like management and the public have forgotten that these are hippos. The deadliest mammal in Africa. An adult hippo charges you, you run like your life depends on it (because it does). They don’t even kill for food, they just have short tempers. Yes, they can be cute, but they should be seen with at least the same aura of danger as large predators.

I know I’m preaching to the choir here. And if you check my post history I’ve given Cincinnati the benefit of the doubt before. But. Wow these videos are not looking good. Their PR team pulled off a miracle salvaging things after Harambe, but this has the potential to be so much worse. Especially if the media actually bother to interview keepers and other industry insiders for an exposé rather than just repeat the zoo’s press statement.

And it’s all self-inflicted, too! These problems were all known in advance! They could have temporarily shipped off Tucker well ahead of time. Or not gotten another male at all. Or expanded the hippo exhibit to take advantage of their cash calf. Nope. Instead they’ve been sleepwalking towards disaster.

I’m not a keeper. I don’t have industry experience. Just a fan who’s read too many care manuals. But it feels like they could at least go into full damage control now. Put Tucker and Fiona back together if possible. Close the area to the public to reduce stress on Bibi if it’s not. (This also reduces the risk of something getting caught on camera). I don’t know if a hippo can be kept solitary for a few months, but now seems like a good time to find out if Fiona and Tucker are showing aggression. Fiona’s probably easier to move to another facility for four months if the zoo can accept that. Not sure if her small size would get her hurt somewhere else tho. Gods, what a nightmare. And it’s entirely their own fault.

 

[Jambo]

Cincinnati are keeping their hippos in two groups at the present time, and obviously are managing just okay, so I don't see the reason why they can't move Fiona back in with Tucker for the time being. Fritz is still young and it'll be months before Bibi forms some sort of tolerance towards Fiona (and Tucker).

 

[Zoofan15]

Update on hippopotamus introductions:

WATCH: Cincinnati Zoo's Bibi teaches Fiona how to act around baby hippo

Updated footage show a slight thawing in Bibi attitude towards Fiona compared to three weeks ago, where she wouldn’t even tolerate her entering the water area.

In this video, Fiona’s attitude towards her mother has changed from terrified to wary, with Fritz initiating the interaction between himself and Fiona. Bibi interrupts at one point (and the footage conveniently cuts), but otherwise she’s showing more tolerance.

I’m still of the opinion introductions should have been delayed; and don’t believe they should introduce Tucker any time soon, but it’s good to see tensions decreased from where we were earlier this month.

 

[Great Argus]

In this video, Fiona’s attitude towards her mother has changed from terrified to wary, with Fritz initiating the interaction between himself and Fiona. Bibi interrupts at one point (and the footage conveniently cuts), but otherwise she’s showing more tolerance.

I continue to find it very interesting how the videos are very choppy and continually snap off right as aggression/conflict is imminent. It makes me wonder how long it takes them to get sufficient content for a video.

 

[E Maximus]

Thought some of you might be interested in this video of Fiona, Bibi and Fritz.
The only interactions between the 3 of them really happen at the 2 minute mark and continues till about the 5 minute and 30 second mark.

 

[Zoofan15]

Thought some of you might be interested in this video of Fiona, Bibi and Fritz.
The only interactions between the 3 of them really happen at the 2 minute mark and continues till about the 5 minute and 30 second mark.

That woman at 2.27 sounded like she was about to ask, “Where are the zoo keepers?”

It’s pretty concerning to see sustained aggression from Bibi towards Fiona after this many weeks. This indicates their relationship hasn’t improved, which as I’ve said many times before is indicative of cow not ready to rejoin her herd. Had they delayed introducing Fiona until Fritz was several months old, I’m sure it would have gone a lot smoother.

At this point, I’d be concerned of Bibi fatally injuring Fiona.

 

[Great Argus]

It’s pretty concerning to see sustained aggression from Bibi towards Fiona after this many weeks. This indicates their relationship hasn’t improved, which as I’ve said many times before is indicative of cow not ready to rejoin her herd. Had they delayed introducing Fiona until Fritz was several months old, I’m sure it would have gone a lot smoother.

At this point, I’d be concerned of Bibi fatally injuring Fiona

Twice recently Cincy themselves has posted videos showing aggression; one with Fritz on Bibi's back and then he gets thrown as Bibi mock charges Fiona. Second video Fritz approaches Fiona on land, when he turns his back Fiona attempts to mouth/bite him. Not a particularly aggressive attempt but it is concerning and someone behind the camera scolds Fiona. This private video confirms tensions are still high between Bibi and Fiona and mixing them is still yielding a problematic situation. Should they try and introduce Tucker it will almost certainly be disaster. Cincy needs to bite the bullet and do what's best for the hippos instead of their publicity.

 

[ZooElephantMan]

Cincy needs to bite the bullet and do what's best for the hippos instead of their publicity.

What would you say is the best immediate alternative to what they’re doing now? I agree that these introductions are very concerning, but earlier posts seemed to imply Cincy has very few other options. I was under the impression that holding areas were too cramped to keep Tucker and Fiona behind the scenes all the time together. And transferring Tucker to a different zoo wouldn’t be an immediate solution because the transfer logistics and crate training would likely take some time to figure out.

 

[Great Argus]

What would you say is the best immediate alternative to what they’re doing now? I agree that these introductions are very concerning, but earlier posts seemed to imply Cincy has very few other options. I was under the impression that holding areas were too cramped to keep Tucker and Fiona behind the scenes all the time together.

Difficult to say as their options are indeed very limited and they have put themselves in a crunch. My thought would be move Bibi and Fritz to the smaller exhibit and give Tucker and Fiona the main one. Still not ideal by any means, but it would eliminate aggression and give the two other adult hippos some space.

And transferring Tucker to a different zoo wouldn’t be an immediate solution because the transfer logistics and crate training would likely take some time to figure out.

Unfortunately no, as this would hands down be a really good option. He never should have arrived in Cincinnati in the first place.

 

[Joseph G]

Tucker was introduced to the bloat this morning as seen here: https://twitter.com/CincinnatiZoo/status/1580597951532965888

Surprise! BIG family reunion! Tucker was introduced to the bloat this morning for the first time! Bibi was relaxed but we’re still being cautious and taking this day by day. Keepers will continue to monitor the bloat closely. Hippo Cove may be closed at times for these intros

 

[Great Argus]

Tucker was introduced to the bloat this morning as seen here: https://twitter.com/CincinnatiZoo/status/1580597951532965888

And now we hope nobody gets hurt... most of those angles seem really cramped.

 

[Zoofan15]

Tucker has begun mating with Fiona:

'Not unexpected': Cincinnati Zoo says hippos Fiona and Tucker have been breeding

Let’s hope the birth control works this time.

Aside from the concerns of a hippopotamus Fiona’s size carrying a calf to full term, the last thing Cincinnati needs right now is more hippos.

 

[Great Argus]

Tucker has begun mating with Fiona:

'Not unexpected': Cincinnati Zoo says hippos Fiona and Tucker have been breeding

Let’s hope the birth control works this time.

Aside from the concerns of a hippopotamus Fiona’s size carrying a calf to full term, the last thing Cincinnati needs right now is more hippos.

Sheesh. Cincy needs to ship out Tucker before things potentially go even more haywire. The absolute last thing Cincy needs is another pregnant hippo, especially a famous one that likely can't carry to term...

 

[ZooElephantMan]

Sheesh. Cincy needs to ship out Tucker before things potentially go even more haywire. The absolute last thing Cincy needs is another pregnant hippo, especially a famous one that likely can't carry to term...

Would a pregnancy be harmful or dangerous for Fiona? Or would it just be likely that she has a stillbirth or miscarriage?

 

[Zoofan15]

Would a pregnancy be harmful or dangerous for Fiona? Or would it just be likely that she has a stillbirth or miscarriage?

Fiona is developmentally the size of 2-3 year old hippopotamus. It’s unknown whether she could carry a calf to term - but in the event she did, the greatest concern would be whether a cow of her frame could deliver a full term calf. There would be considerable risk to both Fiona and the calf.

A three year old cow delivered a calf at Auckland Zoo in 1978 and the calf was stillborn; and in 1983, the delivery of an abnormally large calf to a full grown cow resulted in the death of both mother and calf, so it’s not without risks.

I personally would advise against Fiona breeding - now or in the future.

 

[15399]

I personally would advise against Fiona breeding - now or in the future.

To be fair, we'll have to wait and see on the future part- we don't know how big Fiona is going to get. If she stays her current size, absolutely she shouldn't, but if she grows to be closer to the full-grown size she should be, I don't know why it wouldn't be advisable to breed her in the future. Irregardless, it's concerning that the zoo advertised Tucker trying to breed Fiona- as it makes you wonder what plans they have in store for them, even if Fiona is contracepted at the moment.