Moo Deng, a two-month-old pygmy hippo from a zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand, has captured the hearts of millions online.
Videos of her playful antics, shared on TikTok and Instagram by her handlers, have gone viral, making her an internet sensation. Her cute expressions and joyful demeanor have drawn throngs of visitors to the zoo, eager to catch a glimpse of the baby hippo.
Moo Deng’s name, which translates to "bouncy pork" in Thai - a reference to a popular snack - has now become synonymous with the endangered pygmy hippo species.
Despite her newfound fame, Moo Deng remains attached to her mother, spending time together and enjoying meals of carrots, bananas, corn, and beans.
The pygmy hippo, native to West Africa, faces the threat of extinction, with only an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 left in the wild due to human activities like logging, mining, and poaching.
Moo Deng’s sudden rise to stardom has not only boosted her zoo’s visitor numbers but also sparked conversations about wildlife conservation. Her caretaker, Atthapon Nundee, hopes the attention she’s receiving will help raise awareness about the endangered species and deter poaching.
Zoo officials have noticed an almost doubling of visitors over the weekends, many making long drives just to see the baby hippo. These increased funds will go toward improving Moo Deng’s enclosure and enhancing conservation education efforts. The zoo also plans to launch a range of Moo Deng merchandise soon.
While pygmy hippos are not native to Thailand, zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy emphasized the zoo's role in leading wildlife conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of species like Moo Deng for future generations.