Here Are Some Cincinnati Zoo Animals Who Just Want You To Have A Nice Day

“You look really pretty today.”

Sly the Arctic fox trades off between a dense white winter fur and a lighter, brown coat in summer. In times of heavy snow, the Arctic fox turns its attention from tracking down elusive lemmings and other terrestrial prey to following polar bears. Waiting patiently as a bear hunts, feeds, and finally moves on, the fox then sweeps in to feed on leftover scraps. #saveourseaice #arcticfox #cincinnati #cincinnatizoo #closeenoughtocare

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Jan 15, 2017 at 9:08am PST

“Want some cheese and crackers?”

Sweet Shakira! This two-year-old meerkat is the only female in her mob. She’s one tough cookie and can most easily be identified by her tail having the least amount of black on it. #MeerkatMonday #meerkat #cincinnatizoo #cincinnati #closeenoughtocare (image: Keeper Dana B)

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Dec 26, 2016 at 8:38am PST

“I’ve always really liked your name.”

Animal care specialists that work with baby giraffe Cora say she's been spunky & independent since day one! Look closely at the photo and you’ll see a heart-shaped spot on Cora’s shoulder. That spot was the inspiration for her name. #Corazon #fridays #fridayfeeling #giraffe #cincinnatizoo #cincinnati #closeenoughtocare #zoobabies

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Jan 20, 2017 at 6:49am PST

“You have great taste.”

The premature baby hippo born early yesterday morning, six weeks before her due date, remained stable overnight and is receiving around-the-clock intensive care from Zoo vets and animal care staff. Her mom, Bibi, is doing fine and, because of her experience standing still for ultrasounds, is allowing milk to be collected. Vets are adding mom’s milk to a fluid mixture that is being tube-fed to the baby. She is still too weak to stand but the nutrients she’s receiving should help her gain strength. Visit cincinnatizoo.org for updates. #hippo #cincinnatizoo #cincinnati #closeenoughtocare #TeamFiona

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Jan 25, 2017 at 12:28pm PST

“You work so hard. You deserve a drink.”

Animal care staff selected some stinky, mild and sharp names for the African painted dog pups born on October 16, 2016. The puppy cheese tray includes Nacho and Muenster, the two males, Bleu, Brie, Gouda, Queso, Colby, Swiss, Cotija, Mozzarella and Feta. #siblings #conservation #savingspecies #cincinnati #cincinnatizoo #closeenoughtocare #painteddog #africanpainteddog #dogs #dog #dogsofinstgram #puppies #puppy #puppiesofinstagram #puppylove

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Jan 8, 2017 at 9:01am PST

“Wanna take a nap?”

Fiona remains in stable condition today. To regulate her oxygen intake and minimize the dive reflex, caregivers position her chest to chest so she can feel normal breathing. Her premature lungs absorb CO2 when she holds her breath (dive reflex) and cause oxygen levels to dip. #closeenoughtocare #cincinnatizoo #cincinnati #hippo #TeamFiona

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Feb 4, 2017 at 7:59am PST

“you don’t even need makeup.”

Red pandas spend up to 13 hours a day foraging for bamboo, eating only the youngest, most tender leaves. #savingspecies #redpanda #cincinnati #closeenoughtocare #cincinnatizoo

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Feb 1, 2017 at 6:16am PST

“Never change your hair.”

Baby Fiona has a little more energy this morning and has shown some suckling response. Her care team received a package from the preemie team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital that included signed superhero capes, a pre-filled baby book, a stuffed hippo, a beautiful note and much more. Thank you! Many of you have asked what you can do to help. We ask that you consider making a donation to help with the cost of 24-hour-a-day critical care. Visit the link in bio to donate. #cincinnati #cincinnatizoo #hippo #closeenoughtocare #TeamFiona

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Feb 2, 2017 at 9:54am PST

“You complete me.”

Throwback to little sprinters Willow, Redd & Cathryn! These cheetah cubs were moved to the Cincinnati Zoo Nursery after being born prematurely, where they received around-the-clock care. Now the cubs are thriving and are a part of the Zoo's Cat Ambassador Program where they are animal ambassadors for their wild counterparts. For over 20 years, the Cincinnati Zoo has directly supported cheetah conservation in Africa and have contributed over $1 million in support for cheetahs in the wild. #closeenoughtocare #cincinnatizoo #cincinnati #cheetah #zoobabies #cheetahcub #TBT

A post shared by Cincinnati Zoo (@cincinnatizoo) on Jan 19, 2017 at 6:19am PST