Saving Fiona (2018)
Written by: Thane Maynard
Photographs courtesy of: Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Publisher: Clarion Books
Book type: Picture book
Ages: 4-7 years
Lexile level: 1020L
Summary
Saving Fiona is the story of a baby hippopotamus which is born two months prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. The book begins by giving readers a bit of background on Hippo Cove, an area of the African animal habitat which would eventually house a female hippo (Bibi) and a male Hippo (Henry). Hippo Cove features a 70,000-gallon pool which consists entirely of rainwater collected over time. Soon after Bibi and Henry begin sharing a habitat, Bibi becomes pregnant. Scientists from the zoo conduct the world’s first ultrasound on a Nile hippopotamus, and it is successful. The scientists are able to see the baby’s spinal cord and her tiny feet. Unexpectedly, however, Bibi goes into labor early, and her baby is born prematurely. The small baby hippo is named Fiona, after the lovable Shrek princess character. Since Fiona is too small to nurse and to be in the water with Bibi, a team of specialized caregivers takes care of Fiona. Over the next few months, the caregivers nurse Fiona, hold her, introduce her to water, and play with her. From the time Fiona is born, the zoo shares her journey via social media, and Fiona receives a large following of people around the world who care about her and follow her progress (#TeamFiona!). Fiona is eventually reunited with her parents, Bibi and Henry, and they live together in Hippo Cove.*
Commentary
Written by the Director of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, this book gives an up-close account of Fiona and her journey from premature baby Hippo to thriving mature hippo and beloved social media sensation. Instead of illustrations, this book relies on a beautiful collection of behind-the-scenes photos of Fiona, Bibi, Henry, scientists, staff and caregivers to share with readers the lengths to which the zoo went to give Fiona the best care which resulted in Fiona’s remarkable journey to full health and mobility.
Special Features
After the story, there is a “Hooray for Hippos” section which educates readers about hippos, including where they live in the wild, their eating habits, and their social behaviors. Did you know that male hippos participate in a behavior called “dung-showering”? They will spin their tails around like a propeller when they poop! This behavior is meant to be a warning to other males in the area who may enter their territory. There is also an author’s note at the end of the book where the author expresses gratitude to the many people who have supported Fiona, and shares how special Fiona is and what a symbol of hope she has become for so many people around the world.
Maynard and Fiona
Keep up with Fiona!
To learn more about Fiona’s journey or to see what she is up to today, check out the following Cincinnati and Botanical Garden social media accounts:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatizoo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CUV6Xgbsg7f/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cincinnatizoo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CincinnatiZoo?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
You can also search social media platforms for #TeamFiona.
Read Alikes
Leo the Snow Leopard: The True Story of an Amazing Rescue (2010) by Craig Hatkoff
This book tells the survival journey of Leo, a Pakistan snow leopard that is rescued by a shepherd and his family after he becomes an orphan at less than seven weeks old. When Leo becomes too big to care for, scientists from the Wildlife Conservation Society take him in. Eventually, governments work together to move Leo to the Bronx Zoo in New York.
Knut: How One Little Polar Bear Captivated the World (2007) by Craig Hatkoff
Being born in captivity in Berlin to a mother who had little interest in raising him, Knut is cared for by a zookeeper named Thomas Dorflein. Dorflein takes on the role of a parent by feeding Knut, playing with him, teaching him how to swim, and generally teaching him how to be a polar bear. Readers will fall in love with Knut while learning about his journey through text and a beautiful collection of color photographs.
A Very Fiona Christmas (2019) Richard Cowdrey
Created in partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, this fiction picture book will appeal to Fiona fans looking for a cheery holiday tale. Christmas is near in Hippo Cove, and Fiona has the opportunity to celebrate it for the first time. Fiona’s zoo friends lead the way as Fiona goes sledding, visits the Christmas tree, and decorates, but it isn’t until the very end of the book when she learns the true meaning of the Christmas spirit.
*Henry the hippo has since passed away at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden from a stomach infection on October 31, 2017.
This sounds like such a cute read! I appreciated the real life photographs included in the text. I think photographs really pull all ages of readers in. Even those who don't quite get the text just yet! What a great review and additional resources that you included!
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