Is Cincinnati Zoo's Bibi the hippo in labor? Here's what we know about Fiona's mom
Hippo keepers at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden are on 24-hour baby watch after Bibi, mother of the world-renowned hippo Fiona, exhibited signs of possibly nearing labor on Tuesday evening.
The Cincinnati Zoo first announced Bibi's pregnancy in April, which was somewhat of a surprise as she was on hippo birth control and her new mate Tucker had only moved into the zoo last year.
The zoo's hippo care team went live on Facebook Wednesday to answer questions about Bibi, her pregnancy, Fiona and more.
Baby watch: Cincinnati Zoo staff watching closely for Bibi's calf birth
Like mom, like Bibi: Hippo keepers use own motherhood experiences to prepare for Bibi's second born
Bibi's first calf, Fiona, was born six weeks prematurely on Jan. 24, 2017, weighing just 29 pounds. Here's what we know about her current pregnancy.
No baby hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden yet
On Wednesday morning, the Cincinnati Zoo said it's unclear whether Bibi is in active labor. The hippo's 24-hour watch team said on Twitter she had a "normal" Tuesday night and that they would give her the opportunity to go outside Wednesday if she wanted.
No baby news to report yet! According to the 24hr watch team, Bibi had a normal night. As of right now, it’s not clear whether she’s in active labor. We will give her the opportunity to go outside today, which she may or may not do! We’ll keep you posted! pic.twitter.com/9BPonGcnNR
— Cincinnati Zoo (@CincinnatiZoo) August 3, 2022
Bibi the hippo shows signs of restlessness
Tuesday evening, the zoo's hippo team said it was "cautiously waiting" for the arrival of Fiona's new sibling after Bibi showed signs of restlessness and wanted to be alone inside the hippo barn.
We’re cautiously waiting for the baby hippo’s arrival! After showing signs of restlessness on habitat this am, it became evident that Bibi wanted to be alone inside the hippo barn. She’s been in the indoor pools snacking, resting & getting comfortable. Stay tuned for more updates pic.twitter.com/zvJ8wXED49
— Cincinnati Zoo (@CincinnatiZoo) August 2, 2022
Earlier that day, hippo keepers noticed a change in Bibi's behavior and brought her inside Hippo Cove to keep her comfortable, Michelle Curley, the zoo's spokesperson, told The Enquirer.
"The keepers have observed behaviors that may indicate that she's in labor," Curley said. "We're keeping a close eye on her."
Hippo cam: How to watch Cincinnati Zoo bring Fiona a new hippo sibling live
The soon-to-be mother of two spent the evening relaxing in her indoor pool.
When is Bibi's due date?
The zoo announced Bibi was officially on birth watch on July 1. Her exact due date is Aug. 15, although she can give birth anytime within a 30 day window, according to the zoo.
Bibi's second calf was expected in mid-August, but for hippos, a healthy calf can be born anytime within 30 days before or after the estimated due date. In anticipation, the zoo's volunteer observer team began its birth watch in July.
On social media, the zoo's hippo team said it was optimistic Bibi would give birth within the normal window, unlike when she had Fiona, who was born six weeks early.
How long has Bibi been pregnant?
The gestation period for Bibi's hippo species is typically eight months. The Cincinnati Zoo first announced her pregnancy in April.
No new preemie for Bibi: Cincinnati Zoo's pregnant hippo passes point for premature calf
The 23-year-old's pregnancy has surpassed the premature mark and her calf is expected to be born healthy and full-size.
How long does a hippo's labor last?
Hippos are known to have a 12-hour labor, including two to three hours where the calf is in the birth canal, Africa head keeper Wendy Rice told The Enquirer.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Zoo's Bibi nears labor. What we know about Fiona's mom
