Cincinnati Zoo Hippos Feast on Pumpkins
The zoo celebrated National Pumpkin Day by providing pumpkins as an enrichment activity for its four resident hippos.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wildlife
The Cincinnati Zoo treated its hippo family to a pumpkin feast in honor of National Pumpkin Day. The group, which includes Bibi, Tucker, Fiona, and Fritz, consumed the gourds directly in the water for zoo visitors.
Why it matters
The feeding served as a form of sensory enrichment for the animals, helping to keep them mentally and physically engaged. Such activities are standard practice at the zoo to stimulate natural behaviors in the resident species.
The feeding involved the zoo's four resident hippos: Bibi, Tucker, Fiona, and Fritz. The zoo regularly provides such items for sensory engagement to mirror natural foraging behaviors.
The players
Fiona
Fiona is a well-known hippo who was born six weeks prematurely at the Cincinnati Zoo in early 2017.
Bibi
Bibi is an adult hippo and mother residing at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Tucker
Tucker is a member of the hippo family currently living at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Fritz
Fritz is a younger hippo who arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo in 2022.
Henry
Henry was a 36-year-old hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo who passed away due to kidney issues and infection in 2017.
The details
The hippos were observed eating the pumpkins in just a few bites while submerged in their enclosure's water feature. This event drew attention from guests gathered at the Cincinnati Zoo to witness the enrichment session.
Timeline
Fiona was born six weeks prematurely in January 2017.
Henry the hippo died in October 2017.
Fritz arrived at the zoo in 2022.
Fiona celebrated her ninth birthday in January 2026.
The hippos were fed pumpkins on October 26, 2026.
Culture Shift
This activity aligns with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums enrichment standards designed to provide mental and physical stimulation for captive animals. It reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing natural behaviors and sensory health in zoo environments over simple viewing.
Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can witness these enrichment activities firsthand, offering a unique opportunity to observe animal behavior up close. These events are scheduled periodically to keep the animals engaged throughout the year.
The takeaway
Enrichment activities like pumpkin feedings are essential for the long-term well-being of zoo animals. Providing diverse sensory experiences helps animals remain active and healthy in a captive environment.
Further reading
Learn more about local Wildlife efforts and animal care at the Cincinnati Zoo.
