All About Saving Fiona…
Saving Baby Fiona: Science, Social Media, and the Story of a Baby Hippo
Saving Fiona: Fiona Hippo Baby Story Book Review
I have mixed feelings about zoos.
For me, they lie somewhere between circuses and wildlife preserves.
Circuses have outlived their time. Too much animal cruelty. Wildlife sanctuaries have become a necessity. Poachers and greedy nonames have endangered too many species…
Zoos? It depends on the facility, eh? Good ones can work as halfway sanctuaries.
Even for hippos. The wild hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius — “water horse”) is under attack. Poachers are hunting them for their meat and ivory canine teeth. Their watery African habitat is disappearing due to human encroachment.
When Baby Fiona was born in the Cincinnati Zoo, we couldn’t help it. Awww. Who knew that a baby hippopotamus could be so cute? Although zookeeper Jenna Wingate told reporters that Fiona was soon “a little bit dangerous to actually cuddle and snuggle.”
Our strongest weapon against the cruel extinction of so many species is education. Especially of our children. So this is good news:
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books for Young Readers [1] has published SAVING FIONA: Science, Social Media, and the Story of a Baby Hippo.
The book is about the hippopotamus born prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Whose “growth and reintroduction to her family made her an internet sensation.”
Written by Thane Maynard, director of the zoo, SAVING FIONA is heavily illustrated with color photographs and written for elementary-school aged readers. The author’s proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden [2].
Born on January 24, 2017, nearly two months prematurely, Fiona weighed just 29 lbs. Which is less than half the normal birth weight of a hippo. The book covers her surprise birth. The struggle to save her when she wasn’t growing or eating properly. And the remarkable achievements she has made since, including the recent reunion with her entire family.
Behind-the-scenes photographs and exclusive interviews with the zoo staff give readers an intimate look at the inner workings of a zoo.
And the relationships the caregivers have with the animals that live there.
Videos of Fiona posted to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s social media accounts have reached up to 50 million viewers. Her struggle for survival and the intense care and love she’s been shown have captured hearts and international attention.
Using the hashtag #TeamFiona, donations have come in from people around the world, helping the Zoo provide 24-hour-a-day care for Fiona.
“Fiona’s incredible story of survival and hope captured all of us at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. We’re delighted to bring readers behind the scenes at the Cincinnati Zoo. Thane Maynard’s hardworking team dedicated itself to saving the world’s favorite baby hippo.
“Readers will enjoy an inside look at this one-of-a-kind story that features cutting edge science, community support, and unexpected social media fame,” says Catherine Onder, SVP and Publisher, HMH Books for Young Readers.
Maynard is internationally recognized for his dedication to wildlife preservation, research and education.
He has authored more than a dozen books. The most recent, HOPE FOR ANIMALS AND THEIR WORLD, was coauthored with Jane Goodall. He has also shared science and environmental news via his nationally-syndicated radio program, “The 90-Second Naturalist,” for 30 years.
SAVING FIONA: Science, Social Media, and the Story of a Baby Hippo was published on January 22, 2019 in advance of Fiona’s second birthday. Erica Zappy of HMH’s Books for Young Readers group acquired world rights.
“Live Free, Mon Ami!” – Brian Alan Burhoe
Did you like this Animal Book Review?
IF SO, YOU MIGHT WANT TO READ WOLFBLOOD — MY MOST POPULAR ANIMAL STORY:
“I JUST READ WOLFBLOOD AGAIN FOR GOOD MEASURE. ONE FOR ANY WOLF LOVER. ENJOYED IT BUT WISH IT WAS A FULL LENGTH NOVEL.” – Gina Chronowicz @ginachron
“GREAT SHORT STORY! DOES REMIND ME OF CALL OF THE WILD, WHITE FANG…” – Evelyn @evelyn_m_k
A heartfelt touching tale in the Jack London Tradition of a lone Gray Wolf and it’s search for its place in the Great Northern Forests. FREE TO READ ==> WOLFBLOOD: A Wild Wolf, A Half-Wild Husky & A Wily Old Trapper
Saving Fiona: Fiona Hippo Baby Story Book Review
[1] For nearly two centuries, HMH Trade Publishing has published some of the world’s most renowned novels, nonfiction, children’s books, and reference works. As part of a leading global learning company, it is uniquely positioned to offer educational and entertaining content for all audiences. Its distinguished author list includes ten Nobel Prize winners, forty-eight Pulitzer Prize winners and fifteen National Book Award winners. As well as more than one hundred Caldecott, Newbery, Printz, and Sibert Medal and Honor recipients.
HMH publishes such distinguished authors as Philip Roth, Temple Grandin, Tim O’Brien, and Amos Oz. And a celebrated roster of children’s authors and illustrators including Kwame Alexander, Lois Lowry, and Chris Van Allsburg. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com/popular-reading.
[2] The world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is committed to inspiring visitors to care about wildlife and wild places. It has been rated the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey. It has also received rave reviews from Child Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today and TripAdvisor. Over 1.5 million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning exhibits. The Zoo is internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants. And engages in research and conservation projects worldwide.
Photo of Fiona by Kathy Newton for the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Saving Fiona: Fiona Hippo Baby Story Book Review
Updated: July 21, 2023.
Source: Civilized Bears, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and PRNewswire
Keywords: #TeamFiona, Baby Fiona, baby hippo, book review, endangered species, Fiona Hippo Baby, Jane Goodall, Saving Fiona, Thane Maynard, wildlife preserves, wildlife sanctuaries.
