AVONDALE, Ohio (WKRC) - With the zoo closed amid fears of the coronavirus, zookeepers are beginning Facebook live streams Monday to keep you in the loop with your favorite furry friends.

According to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, the zoo will be hosting daily Home Safari Facebook Live Sessions to keep its loyal members — and the Cincinnati community — connected to the animals.

The first session was streamed March 16 at 3 p.m., featuring none other than Cincinnati Zoo superstar Fiona the hippo.

Cincinnati Zoo Director Thane Maynard said,

This zoo is so important to the community and not being able to visit will create a void that we’re trying to fill. The goal with the daily live sessions is to provide fun and educational content to people who are stuck at home.

Each live session will highlight a zoo animal, as well as provide an activity that audience members can follow at home. To tune in, go to the Cincinnati Zoo's Facebook page at the start time of the live session.

The zoo relies on ticket sales as a non-profit organization. Maynard asked that members and fans donate to the zoo's emergency operating fund to assist with the care of their animals and team members.  

"Your support now is more critical than ever," said Maynard.