The Cincinnati Zoo is kicking off the holiday season with a spectacular new centerpiece: a 24‑foot tall nutcracker honoring its most beloved resident, Fiona the hippo. The giant figure was placed at the zoo’s main entrance on Thursday, just days before the start of the PNC Festival of Lights, which runs from Nov. 19 through Jan. 3.
Details of the festive tribute
Each element of the Fiona nutcracker carries meaning. The sculpture displays 29 buttons, representing the 29 pounds Fiona weighed at birth. Six slices of watermelon are painted onto the nutcracker’s torso, a nod to the fact that Fiona was born six weeks premature and has a well‑known love for watermelon. Even her younger brother, Fritz, makes a cameo on the nutcracker’s painted toenail, adding a playful family touch.
Zoo staff lifted the nutcracker’s head onto the rest of the figure on Thursday, completing the installation. Visitors will be greeted by the towering tribute as they enter the zoo for the holiday lights celebration.
Festival of Lights highlights
The PNC Festival of Lights transforms the zoo into a winter wonderland, featuring millions of twinkling lights, seasonal music, and family‑friendly activities. The festival is a long‑standing tradition in Cincinnati, drawing locals and tourists alike for a festive outing that blends wildlife education with holiday cheer.
In addition to the Fiona nutcracker, the zoo will showcase illuminated animal habitats, a holiday market with local artisans, and special performances throughout the season. Admission is free for members, and discounted tickets are available for families.
Community response
Local residents have expressed excitement about the new installation. “It’s wonderful to see the zoo celebrating Fiona in such a creative way,” said longtime Cincinnati Zoo supporter Maria Hernandez. “The nutcracker adds a fun, family‑friendly element to the holiday festivities and highlights how much the zoo cares about its animals and the community.”
The zoo’s education team also plans to use the Fiona nutcracker as a teaching tool, offering brief talks about Fiona’s early life, the importance of wildlife conservation, and how the zoo supports animal health and well‑being.
Practical information
The Cincinnati Zoo is located at 3400 Vine St., Cincinnati, OH 45220. Parking is available on‑site, and the zoo is accessible via public transit. The Festival of Lights runs daily from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., with extended hours on weekends. For the latest updates on events, ticketing, and safety protocols, visitors should check the zoo’s official website or follow its social media channels.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Fiona or simply looking for a festive outing, the new giant nutcracker offers a memorable way to start the holiday season in Cincinnati.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
