Fiona The Hippo Stars In New Children's Book

CINCINNATI, OH — Fiona the hippo captured the nation's collective heart when she started photobombing engagement photos in 2017. Since then...she's been front and center for the debate over cutest, most beloved animal in the nation. Now, Fiona is the star of her own book, "Fiona the Hippo."

Written and illustrated by Cincinnati-native Richard Cowdrey, the story is a kind of biography of the once prematurely born hippo. Fiona was born six weeks early. She weighed only 29 pounds when she entered the world, and the average baby hippo weighs between 55 and 120 pounds. She became dehydrated and lethargic shortly after being born.

The caregivers at the Cincinnati Zoo had to hand-raise Fiona, making sure she was hydrated and happy. There were plenty of scares along the way, with the zoo's renowned Vascular Access Team having to work overtime to ensure Fiona's safety.

While the team worked diligently, and eventually reunited Fiona with her mother, the baby hippo become an international phenomenon. She photobombed a couple's engagement photo, picked the Eagles to win the Super Bowl, and wow'd fans on social media. Now, she's the star of the Cincinnati Zoo.

Plus, she's healthy. Fiona was a 600 pound hippo when she turned one. While that was still far from the full-size of an adult hippo, it was also on-track to healthy.

Even better, she's now the star of her own book. The Fiona the Hippo boardbook costs $8.99, the hardcover of the book costs $17.99. Both editions can be ordered off the zoo's website by clicking here. Take a look at this incredible cover.

Fiona is also the star of her own YouTube and Facebook series called "The Fiona Show."

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Video from Cincinnati Zoo