CINCINNATI — Move over Fiona, Bibi's new baby is taking the spotlight.
The infant was born late Wednesday night but we likely won't know the newborn's sex for weeks. However, that's not stopping folks from coming up with name ideas. Bubbles, Melon, Fibi, Petunia and Glow are just some of the names going around on social media.
If you have a name suggestion for the newborn, you can submit your suggestion directly to the Cincinnati Zoo by clicking HERE.
Zoo officials said the new baby looks huge compared to its first baby hippo star, Fiona. Keepers estimated that the newborn weighs about 60 pounds.
"Fiona only weighed 29 pounds when she was born six weeks premature and wasn't able to stand on her own," said Christina Gorsuch, director of animal care at the Cincinnati Zoo.
“Bibi and the baby, yet to be named, will spend the next two weeks bonding behind the scenes,” said Gorsuch. “A female would take her newborn away from the bloat for about that amount of time in the wild, and we try to give Bibi the choice to do what feels natural to her.”
Hippo keepers shared this adorable video of Bibi and her new calf and said "It looks like Fiona's world-famous ear wiggles run in the family."
Zoo officials said earlier in the week that Bibi had begun showing signs of restlessness and a desire to spend more time indoors, which are indications that she was close to giving birth.
Watch Bibi with her newborn hippo just hours after birth:
The baby's estimated due date was set for Aug. 15, but caretakers said a hippo's birth window could be 30 days before or after that estimation.
Zoo officials said Bibi and her newborn will be kept separated from 5-year-old Fiona and 19-year-old Tucker so that mom and baby have plenty of time to bond.
Don't expect to see Bibi and her newborn right away. They will not be in front of the public, but the zoo said members have access to live cams in the outdoor habitat and can watch all the action at Hippo Cove from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day.
READ MORE
Fiona celebrates fifth birthday with virtual party and fundraiser
Fiona, Bibi hit it off with new hippo at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Fiona the hippo captures hearts again as she catches rain in her mouth for hours
-
Organization aims to combat youth violence using conflict resolution education
A local program teaches kids conflict resolution to reduce youth violence, empowering them to find peaceful solutions and providing a platform for their voices.
North Central High School teacher injured while trying to break up student fight
A teacher at North Central High School in Indianapolis was injured while trying to break up a fight between two students on Tuesday.
Indy flag enthusiast receives original design of city flag from its artist
An Indianapolis flag store owner called the man who designed the city's banner to thank him for his creativity. That phone call led to a special delivery of Indianapolis history.
Bill introduced to make Monday after Super Bowl a state holiday
A new bill has been introduced in the Indiana legislature that aims to designate the Monday after the Super Bowl as a state holiday.
