A special encounter between a world-famous hippo and a Miami University-carved watermelon captured the hearts of social media viewers, ultimately going viral on TikTok and Instagram. This delightful moment unfolded during an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Miami University Project Dragonfly, a graduate education initiative, and its partnership with the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Miami University's social media team attended the event on Oct. 5, 2023, crafting an engagement plan ahead of time. This resulted in 13 thoughtfully curated pieces of content distributed across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Anticipating the excitement surrounding a watermelon carved with Miami's distinctive "M" logo being fed to Fiona, the Cincinnati Zoo's beloved hippo, the team captured this unique moment. The event's social media content in 2023 garnered an astounding 93.5 million organic video views and engaged 1.8 million fans. The interaction became a viral sensation, captivating audiences and exemplifying Miami University's innovative and strategic approach to digital communications.
From the Judges
The engagement numbers are incredibly impressive. This visually stunning piece showcases a genuine moment with the world-famous hippo in a creative and captivating way. It's a shining example of innovative and outside-the-box thinking, and it paid off in a big way. The authenticity and creativity on display are awesome.
