When she was born six weeks premature at the Cincinnati Zoo, the baby hippopotamus Fiona was both the cause of delight and concern. She spent the first weeks of her life receiving critical care from a variety of specialists, including medical professionals from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Daily updates from the Zoo on her progress created a media sensation and earned Fiona thousands of enthusiastic and eager fans.
For the first time, Thane Maynard, executive director of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, is appearing in public to talk in-depth about Fiona’s story and share updates on her progress. Maynard is set to talk at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, in the Reading Garden Lounge of the Main Library, 800 Vine St., Downtown Cincinnati. His discussion is meant for all ages. His appearance is made possible through the support of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Fiona was born to a 17-year-old Nile hippo named Bibi. She was the first hippo calf born at the Cincinnati Zoo in 75 years.
Maynard is internationally known for his dedication to wildlife preservation, research, and education. He has authored more than a dozen books, the most recent Hope for Animals & Their World, was co-authored with Jane Goodall. For 30 years, Maynard also shares science and environmental news on his nationally syndicated radio program, The 90-Second Naturalist.
Learn more about his appearance at CincinnatiLibrary.org.
