CINCINNATI, Ohio (WCPO) — When Fiona the hippo was born at the Cincinnati Zoo 6 months untimely, her survival captivated not just the metropolis, but much of the entire world. So when it was declared that her mother, Bibi, was expecting with an additional calf, zoo staff was straight away engaged in building positive the baby is born without any considerations.
Aspect of insuring her calf’s wellness is a common procedure most human mothers working experience — ultrasounds.
Enter veterinarian Julie Barnes. Each individual 7 days, Barnes does anything number of individuals have performed: performs an ultrasound on a hippo. Obtaining it done is the challenging component. Following all, Bibi weighs around 3,000 lbs ..
“That’s a testament to the animal care group that operates with Bibi,” Barnes reported.
Applying romaine lettuce to feed Bibi, the treatment workforce, Barnes stated, has properly trained the hippo to lean against a railing. That is when Barnes swoops in, ultrasound wand at the all set.
“And she does this all voluntarily, and we couldn’t do that without having her staying ready to do that for us,” Barnes said.
These ultrasounds demonstrate Barnes and the care group that Bibi’s calf is increasing. In point, with about eight months to go, the calf is about the exact excess weight Fiona was when she was born. They can see that her heart is beating well — even the fluttering of the calf’s feet.
Looking at Fiona was born early, these ultrasounds are also teaching veterinarians and the treatment workforce about a hippo’s gestation.
“It truly is remarkable,” Barnes mentioned. “Not numerous people can say they have ultrasounded a hippo.”
Hippo Cove, the place Bibi, Fiona and Tucker live, is the zoo’s major draw, so there is force to make positive that Bibi’s child is born healthful and delighted.
“It truly is thrilling,” said Barnes, who is at this time obtaining her master’s in biology at the University of Cincinnati. “You ride this large, but it is really like they said, walking on eggshells till every thing is reported and done. Since you you should not you will not want something to go wrong.”
When Bibi’s calf finally arrives, Barnes explained they’re going to finally get to acquire a breath.
“And my gosh, we are gonna all have a celebration following that — as will the rest of Cincinnati, I’m confident,” Barnes reported.
Bibi is envisioned to be complete term in early August.
This tale was at first described by Tanya O’Rourke on wcpo.com.