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Is Fiona making her public debut soon? Cincinnati Zoo says it will make a 'BIG announcement'

Is Fiona making her public debut soon?
Posted at 2:39 PM, Apr 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-06 14:39:35-04

CINCINNATI -- Cincinnati's favorite baby hippo could soon make its public debut. 

The Cincinnati Zoo tweeted Thursday that Fiona is still being cared for behind the scenes, but a "BIG announcement" will be coming when she is ready.

Fiona's popularity has blossomed since her premature birth on Jan. 24. She only weighed 29 pounds, about 25 pounds lighter than the lowest recorded birth weight for this species.

GALLERY: See Fiona's progress 

Hippo handler Wendy Rice wrote in March that Fiona has formed social bonds with the care staff at the zoo, as opposed to her mother. Fiona feels comfortable around the staff and seems to enjoy their companionship.

It’s likely she will feel positive toward humans for the rest of her life, but it shouldn't impair her ability to live with other hippos in the future.

If there is danger in Fiona's upbringing, Rice wrote, it's the danger that a 3,000-pound adult Fiona might want to snuggle and play with her caretakers the same way she did as a 50-pound baby.

See the latest videos of Fiona in the player above.