CINCINNATI -- So what do you get a baby hippo adored by the world for her half-birthday? An international No. 1 hit song re-written in her honor, of course.
At least, that’s what we here at 9 On Your Side and WCPO decided to get Fiona, the superstar hippopotamus at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.
Since March, we have been working to create a song called “Team Fiona” to the tune “My Sharona,” the 1979 smash hit by The Knack. Berton Averre, a founding member of The Knack and the band’s lead guitarist, even helped us get permission to use the tune.
We learned that show business can be slow business, and we missed little Fiona’s six-month birthaversary by a few days.
But if anyone deserves an extended celebration, it’s the little hippo that has captured hearts around the globe.
So here you go, Fiona! We hope you and all your legions of fans enjoy the song and all the video of adorable you.
Lucy May writes about the people, places and issues that define our region – to celebrate what makes the Tri-State great and shine a spotlight on issues we need to address.
To read more stories by Lucy, go to www.wcpo.com/may. To reach her, email lucy.may@wcpo.com. Follow her on Twitter @LucyMayCincy.
