Meeting Icons: A Day at the Cincinnati Zoo

Our family travels took a wild turn with a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, one of the oldest and most well-regarded zoos in the country. We went in with high expectations, specifically to see two of the zoo’s most famous residents, one past and one present.

The Hippo Queen

The biggest draw for us was undoubtedly the chance to see the world-famous hippo, Fiona. Her story of being born prematurely and surviving against the odds captured the world's heart, and seeing her in person was a highlight. We made our way to Hippo Cove and were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of her gliding through the water. Watching a hippo underwater is surprisingly graceful; despite their size, they move with such ease. Seeing the sassy personality that made her an internet sensation was a joy for the whole family.

Remembering a Legend

While Fiona represents the new generation, we also took a moment to visit Gorilla World to pay our respects to Harambe. His story is a major part of the zoo's modern history, and standing at the exhibit felt like a solemn moment of remembrance. It was a chance to appreciate the sheer power and intelligence of the western lowland gorillas and reflect on the impact one animal can have on the world.

A Beautiful Walk

Beyond the famous animals, the zoo itself was beautiful. Because it is also a Botanical Garden, the pathways were lined with lush plants and flowers, making the walk between exhibits just as enjoyable as the animals themselves. It was a day of connecting with nature, celebrating success stories like Fiona’s, and honoring memories.