Cincinnati Zoo Hippos Celebrate Pumpkin Day
The zoo's four hippos enjoyed seasonal pumpkins as part of an enrichment activity for families and guests.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wildlife
The Cincinnati Zoo celebrated National Pumpkin Day by providing pumpkins as sensory enrichment for their hippo family. The group, which includes Fiona and Fritz, enjoyed the seasonal treats in the water in front of zoo guests.
Why it matters
Seasonal enrichment activities at the zoo provide necessary mental stimulation and encourage natural behaviors for animals in captivity. Such events allow visitors to observe these habits firsthand while celebrating seasonal milestones.
The hippo family consisting of Bibi, Tucker, Fiona, and Fritz participated in the feeding event. Fiona, who arrived six weeks premature in 2017, recently celebrated her ninth birthday in January 2026.
The players
Cincinnati Zoo
A major local institution focused on animal conservation, public education, and providing varied enrichment for its diverse population of species.
Fiona
A well-known hippo at the Cincinnati Zoo who gained public attention after her premature birth in 2017.
Fritz
A hippo who joined the Cincinnati Zoo family in 2022.
The details
Zoo staff utilize seasonal items like pumpkins as enrichment tools to engage the animals' senses and encourage natural foraging or feeding behaviors. By placing the pumpkins in the water, the zookeepers prompt the hippos to interact with their environment while visitors observe them consuming the treats in just a few bites.
Timeline
January 2017: Fiona was born six weeks prematurely.
October 2017: Henry the hippo passed away at age 36.
2022: Fritz arrived at the Cincinnati Zoo.
January 2026: Fiona celebrated her ninth birthday.
October 26, 2026: The hippos were fed pumpkins for National Pumpkin Day.
The Home Front
Modern zoo management prioritizes sensory enrichment as a standard practice for maintaining the physical and mental well-being of large mammals. This event mirrors industry-wide efforts to foster natural behaviors in captive environments.
Local families looking to engage with zoo programming can check the official activity calendar for future seasonal enrichment demonstrations. These events offer a practical way to learn about the specific dietary and behavioral needs of animals residing in the community.
The takeaway
Zoos use seasonal foods like pumpkins to provide critical sensory enrichment for their animal residents. Families can track upcoming educational events by following the Cincinnati Zoo activity schedule.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife preservation efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by People.
