
Thousands took to the streets of Cincinnati for the 2018 Women's March. Amanda Rossmann
On Saturday, thousands took to the streets across the country for another round of women's marches and in Cincinnati, the city's favorite hippo made an appearance.
Fiona, who celebrated her birthday this weekend, was featured on a number of signs, including one that read "Fiona is Female," featuring a picture of the beloved hippo in the female symbol.
Fiona is female #teamfiona#womensmarchcincinnati#womensmarch2018pic.twitter.com/LZ8Z8WxWEv
— Cincinnati Zoo (@CincinnatiZoo) January 20, 2018
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens tweeted the image out and so far, it has gotten mixed reviews.
Some were angry that the zoo used Fiona as a political symbol, as she was an escape. Others weren't happy with the political statement, especially since Hamilton County taxpayers partially fund the zoo.
Sooooo sorry you did this. Fiona was a respite from the crazy goings on in the world outside. Did you really want to alienate so many of her fans and your followers?
— Sharon Herbitter (@SHerbitter) January 20, 2018
Please keep my tax dollars out of your politics
— Maggi Cook (@MadisonProj) January 22, 2018
Non-profits should not be involved in politics. Posts like this can hurt funding, as well as membership. Not a good move, @CincinnatiZoo
— Traci (@whodey_girl) January 21, 2018
Other reactions were more favorable:
Here's another sign about our sassy little girl. Thank you Cincinnati Zoo for having courage to post this pic. I really don't see the politics in this. Support for a gender... yes, maybe. But D or R support, no. Fiona is a beacon of light in these trying times. #teamfionapic.twitter.com/nuyffaCKrT
— Mary Whitaker (@whitmar18) January 20, 2018
I do not see how this could be political. She is a female and strong! If you think this is political then it is your bias trying to make it so.
— Pamela Cohen (@CohenPastrypam2) January 21, 2018
You realize that the zoo didn't make the sign, right? Posting the pic of the sign just shows how widespread Fiona's impact has been. #TeamFiona
— Lori (@WatEverLolaWnts) January 21, 2018
I’m so glad I renewed my membership! AND I’m sending my three kids to the zoo for a week of Summer Camp. #ScienceAndReasonMatter#FionaIsFemale
— Rochambeau, dig me? (@YouCouldAsk) January 21, 2018
What do you think?

A timelapse of the 2018 Cincinnati Women's March: Hear Our Vote. Thousands made their way through the streets of downtown Cincinnati. Amanda Rossmann
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