The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

Cincinnati Zoo's new baby hippo Fritz and his mom Bibi are starting to explore their outdoor habitat, and guests will be able to see them starting Friday.

Zoo officials said they are ready for the next step in the introduction process, meeting all of their fans.

Starting Friday, Hippo Cove will stay open when Bibi and Fritz venture out and will rotate with Fiona and Tucker for the short term, meaning visitors may or may not see the baby.

Things have been going wonderfully with Fritz. He's growing so quickly he's already over 114lbs as of Monday so I'm sure he's closer to 120 at this point. Bib's been a fantastic mom and made it really easy on us and he's absolutely adorable," said Hippo Caretaker Jenna Wingate. "Fritz is very brave and active and already sassy so maybe that's a trait of all hippo babies I'm not sure but he approaches his keepers and wants mouth massages."

But on the bright side, the zoo said if Fritz isn't outside, Fiona will be.

“Fritz has navigated the deepest part of the pool, and Bibi has demonstrated that she will keep him safe,” Cincinnati Zoo’s director of animal care Christina Gorsuch said in a statement. “They were unphased when staff came to get their first glimpse of the baby and we’re confident that they’re ready for their public debut.”

Fiona and Tucker have seen Fritz from a distance in the indoor habitat, but they are not quite ready to share space, zoo officials said.

Fiona will be introduced to Fritz in phases and will eventually join her brother and Bibi. Once the threesome is stable, Tucker will get to reunite with his bloat.

Fritz was born to mom Bibi on Aug. 3, and Bibi and Tucker bred in December.

Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.