In Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a recently born pygmy hippo named “Moo Deng” has quickly become a sensation around the world for its cute appearance and playful behavior. This baby hippo was born on July 10th and is only two months old, but thanks to social media promotion, it has gained global fame and attracted a significant increase in visitors to the zoo, with at least a 30% rise in attendance.
“Moo Deng” is smaller in size compared to regular hippos and has captured the hearts of many through social media posts showcasing its daily activities. Fans have been sharing photos and short videos of “Moo Deng,” contributing to its rapid rise to stardom. One particular video showing the hippo yawning has garnered millions of views on Facebook alone.
Since the birth of “Moo Deng,” most of the zoo’s social media posts have revolved around the tiny hippo, with fans expressing admiration and excitement. Facebook user Aom Worawan commented, “He is a star,” while another user Napatsawan Balee said, “He is a hippo reborn as a superstar.”
The Thai Embassy in Tokyo, Japan, has also joined in the hype by sharing adorable photos of “Moo Deng” on social media, and Japan’s “All Japan News Network” sent staff to capture footage of the baby hippo at the zoo.
In Bangkok, a café has taken advantage of the craze by creating cakes in the shape of “Moo Deng,” resembling the hippo’s likeness. Additionally, a Wikipedia page has been set up for this female pygmy hippo, further solidifying its place in the spotlight.
Narongwit Chodchoi, the director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, told CNN that “Moo Deng’s” innate cuteness and behavior have been a major draw for visitors. However, he expressed concern over some inappropriate behavior by visitors, such as pouring water on the hippo or throwing food scraps while it lays on the floor.
Due to the unwanted disruptions in “Moo Deng’s” life, the zoo has issued warnings and vowed to take legal action against anyone causing harm to the little hippo. Chodchoi emphasized the importance of protecting these animals and ensuring they live in a safe and comfortable environment.
He also mentioned that the best time to visit “Moo Deng” is when it is awake. The zoo has installed surveillance cameras around its enclosure to safeguard the hippo.
The name “Moo Deng” was chosen through a vote by 20,000 Facebook fans in August, with the name referring to a common pork dish known for its chewiness in Thai cuisine. Pygmy hippos like “Moo Deng” are native to West Africa and are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Experts estimate that there are fewer than 3,000 wild pygmy hippos remaining, underscoring the importance of protecting and preserving these rare and vulnerable species.